MJB Counselling Privacy Policy

Melanie Hoggett is committed to complying with the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to the responsible and secure use of your data. Melanie Hoggett has a legitimate interest in processing personal data to provide counselling services. The purpose of this statement is to let you know what personal information Melanie Hoggett, collects and holds, why I collect this data, how long it is stored for and your rights over your personal data. Melanie Hoggett is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

1. Information about you

1.1 I collect, store and process relevant personal information about you to enable us to work together safely, to maintain a working record and to meet professional requirements. I will collect personal information from you at the first therapy session. This information includes name, age, contact details, GP Details, alongside other health (mental and physical), well-being and risk/concern related information and other relevant personal information that is needed. Once a client finishes Counselling, all data regarding their Counselling is stored securely for 7 years. In the case of clients under 18, records are kept for 7 years after the child turns 18. After this period all paper and electronic records will be securely destroyed.

1.2 I keep client case notes (brief and factual written records of our sessions).

2. My use of this information

2.1 Your data will be used only to provide you with my services and to give you information relating to my services. I will not share your details with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and permission unless there is a legal requirement as stated in the Therapy Agreement or (exceptions you may have). A breach of confidentiality is when a person shares information with another in circumstances where it is reasonable to expect that the information will be kept confidential.

3. Security

3.1 I will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of information you give me.

3.2 Communications in connection with this service may be sent by email. For ease of use and compatibility, communications will not be sent in an encrypted form unless you require it and give me permission to communicate with you in that way. Email, unless encrypted, is not a fully secure means of communication. Whilst I endeavour to keep our systems and communications protected against viruses and other harmful effects, we cannot bear responsibility for all communications being virus-free.

4. Your rights over your personal data

4.1 If you would like to see the information I hold about you, or would like to correct, update or delete any records, please email me at melanie@mjbcounselling.com, (though it is possible for me to decline if the information is needed for me to practice lawfully & competently)

If you have any concerns about our use of your data, please contact me directly at melanie@mjbcounselling.com.  I will do my utmost to resolve any concerns you have. If for any reason I cannot resolve the issues you may choose to contact the ICO directly at https://ico.org.uk.