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General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The Bridge Counselling Service collects and processes personal data of clients to carry out its functions.  We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations.

Who are we?

Data Controllers:  The Bridge Counselling Service

What information we collect

We ask for your name and contact details which are known as ‘personal data’.  During our work together we will make a note of what we have talked about during our session.  This may contain other ‘personal data’ such as your age, marital status, children, date of birth, gender or occupation. It may also contain ‘special category data’ such as race, ethnic origin, politics, religion, health, sex life or sexual orientation.

Why we collect personal data

  • so that we can contact you if necessary
  • to comply with the recommendations of our professional body and insurance company

The lawful basis on which we use this information

To collect and use data you share, we must show the ICO that we have a lawful basis to do this.  We also need to tell you what this lawful basis is.

We have determined that ‘legitimate interests’ is the most appropriate lawful basis for both personal (article 6) and special category data (article 9).  See the ICO’s ‘lawful basis’ for more details.

How we store your data

Your data will be stored in a fireproof lockable cabinet, on a password protected laptop and/or on a mobile phone (Touch ID enabled).

How long we will keep your data

Your data will be kept for the duration of our work together.  When our work together has finished, all data except for session notes (which will be stored for up to 7 years) will be deleted or securely disposed of.

How your information may be shared

We would only share data in line with ethical and legal obligations.  These are if:

  • During our supervision sessions we talk about our work together. However only your first name would be used.
  • We receive a Court Order or request from a Coroner for the release of our notes.
  • You disclose you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or another.
  • Information is shared about a proposed act of terrorism/money laundering/drug trafficking.
  • There is a request by the Police for information regarding a road traffic accident.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Be informed about what information we hold – a link to this document is contained in the ‘information sheet’ which will be emailed to you during our initial communications.
  • Access the information we hold – you can request this verbally or in writing at any time.  We will provide you with the information within one month.
  • Have any incorrect information rectified – you can request this verbally or in writing.
  • Have your records erased -in the defence of any legal claims, we may decline to do this because the our professional body and insurance company suggest we keep notes (lawful basis of legitimate interests)
  • Restrict processing (we may decline to do this citing the lawful basis of legitimate interests)
  • Data portability – e.g. you can request your notes be transferred to another counsellor.
  • Object to processing of your data (we may decline to do this citing the lawful basis of legitimate interests)

If you’ve got any concerns about how we’ve used your data, contact the Information Commissioner’s Office.

If you’d like to discuss anything in this privacy statement, please contact donnagibson@thebridgecounsellingservice.co.uk

Last updated May 2020