Manisha Gosar is a registered data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO); registration reference ZA880005.
The information we collect, process and store from yourselves (verbally, written, electronically) is the basic information we need to enter into a secured therapeutic relationship with you the client, with your explicit consent in line with the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) & COSCA guideline for record-keeping.
What data do we collect?
We collect details such as your name, address, age, contact information, emergency contact information, GP information, aims for counselling, a brief history of your health if applicable to the counselling process, consent to contact if you are engaging with any other psychological services, availability and anything else that may be relevant to our therapeutic work such as the CORE outcome measure.
During or after each session we may take brief notes to cover what was discussed and to track any change and/or progress.
What do we do with your data?
We are required to have the above information which is explained in the confidentiality policy. In the event of having to use your data, we will endeavour to discuss this with you first as long as it does not cause a delay which could create further risk to yourself or others.
Before our first full session, you can inform us about your preferred method of contact. We do not plan on contacting you outwith sessions but in the event of something arising that can’t wait until the next session then we may need to contact you i.e. change to the scheduled appointment time.
In the event of counsellor’s incapacitation, a clinical will has been put in place, you will be contacted by the will executor who is bound by the same rules and ethics regarding confidentiality to inform you of the situation.
How do we keep your information safe?
Your information is stored as securely as possible. Your personal data and any client notes are kept electronically and are encrypted for safety and privacy. We use e-mails in the event of replying to enquiries/e-mails or if this is a preferred method of contact.
We do our best to safeguard using the internet but cannot guarantee this as being completely secure. If you choose to use this as a method of contact this is at your own risk.
We have appropriate security procedures in place to prevent unauthorised access as best as possible. We aim to keep your information secure through a variety of protocols and restricted access.
In the event of a security breach, we have procedures in place to deal with this such as contacting yourself, the ICO and any other governing body as soon as the breach is discovered.
What information about you do we share?
We will not share any information about you with other agencies or people unless it is deemed appropriate in line with our confidentiality policy.
How long do we keep your data?
Your data will be retained for no longer than 6 months. We will destroy your data immediately after the purpose of use has been completed in line with COSCA guidelines for record-keeping.
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What rights you have over your data?
You have a right to see the data we have on you at any point, please put your request in writing.
If you do not wish to have any of your information kept this is your right.
Contact us
Email: talk@northstarct.co.uk
Policy change
We may edit this policy as and when required to continue to comply with the latest regulations and best practice. If we make any significant changes we will notify you in person or by posting an update to this privacy notice on the website.