Sage Counselling Privacy Statement
(With reference to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), updated 7 June 2018)
At Sage Counselling we are always committed to providing a safe and confidential service and to maintaining client privacy. To provide an effective service, Sage Counselling needs to keep some essential information and this policy details how we gather and process this information.
We use the following forms to help us support clients who access our service.
- Client Contact Form
- Telephone Assessment
- Contract with Sage Counselling
- Session Notes
- Closure
The Client Contact form includes details of client’s name, address, date of birth, contact details and GP and at this stage clients are assigned a unique client reference number. The Contract will include details of next of kin, an emergency contact number and power of attorney if applicable. Other documents are anonymised using only the client reference number. All documentation is securely stored in a locked filing cabinet. Any digital communication of personal data is password protected.
Anonymised data may be used for statistical purposes to help us monitor the service and to support fundraising applications.
Clients have the right to request access to this information and have the right to request that personal data be erased. Clients should speak with the counsellor in the first instance. Requests for information from third parties will be denied, except where disclosure is required by law or there is significant risk of harm to the client or others or in the case of concern about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult.
Information Protection
All information is the property of Sage Counselling. Session notes provide a brief factual record of therapy. All counsellors attend regular Supervision, during which the therapy may be discussed. Client confidentiality is always protected and maintained during this process.
Client information will be kept for 7 years from closure of therapy and then all notes will be destroyed.
Sage Counselling abides by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (1 July 2018).