Privacy | counsellingwork

We will collect personal data on this Website only if it is directly provided to us by you the user, e.g. your e-mail address, name, home or work address and telephone number, and therefore has been provided by you with your consent.

Counselling Work is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy. Once you choose to provide us with personally identifiable information (any information by which you can be identified), you can be assured that it will only be used to support your relationship with Counselling Work.

What information we collect.

If you contact us via an email link on the website the information collected from these pages are name and email address and any other contact information you may provide.

How we use your information

Counselling Work uses your information to better understand your needs and provide you with information and services. We will always give you the opportunity to opt out of receiving such information and services.

Who we share your information with

Counselling Work will not sell, rent, or lease your personally identifiable information to others. Counselling Work's lawfull basis for processing personal data is based on a Legitimate Interest and will be used only by ourselves.

Navigational Information

When using this website navigational information may be collected through the use of information gathering tools such as cookies. This information includes standard statistics in order to monitor and analyse activities such as the duration of the visit to the website and the nature of the browser used.

Notification of change of privacy policy
We may change the terms of this privacy statement from time to time. If we do so, we will post the changes here so please check from time to time. By continuing to use our website you will be deemed to accept such changes.

Data Protection and Information Sharing

Policy Statement

COUNSELLINGWork are committed to working collaboratively with partners to keep personal information safe and secure and ensure that any information is held fairly, lawfully and used only as stated. The individual whose information is being held is seen as the owner of that data and, wherever possible, information is held on a consent basis and should only be used for the purposes for which it was given. Due to the nature of the organisation, we have a duty to protect staff and service users and may be required to share information in order to prevent or reduce the risk of serious harm.

Implementation

It is vital that any person handling personal information on behalf of COUNSELLINGWork seek the appropriate consent and keep the information confidential and secure. It is the responsibility of Michaela Sheppard to ensure that staff and service users are fully aware of the process for requesting, recording and storing information. Please see Confidentiality Policy.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

GDPR is a legal framework that sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information of individuals within the European Union (EU). The GDPR sets out the principles for data management and the rights of the individual. We request that clients complete an opt-in form to confirm their consent for us to hold data on their behalf, although clients do not have to give consent to be able to access services and can choose to remain anonymous. Verbal consent can be given where written consent is not possible.

Caldicott Principal

The Caldicott Principal refers to a review commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer around the use of patient information in the NHS, and other health and care settings, and their recommendations on using and sharing this information appropriately, confidentially and responsibly. In 2015 a new office of the Data Guardian was created by the Government and Dame Fiona Caldicott was appointed to ensure patients and service users have a voice, and that health and care information is used appropriately.

Confidential information about service users should only be used for support and care purposes, and unless exceptional circumstances are present, should only be disclosed with the consent of the person whose information is being used. Identifiable information should only be used when necessary, kept to a minimum and on a need to know basis.

Visiting professionals working at COUNSELLINGWork are asked to obtain consent from the individual to involve and share information with our specialist workers. They are also required to read and sign our Caldicott Agreement.

Appropriate use of the Internet

COUNSELLINGWork are committed to protecting staff and service users from harmful information and therefore any person accessing information at COUNSELLINGWork must do so responsibly and lawfully. To ensure that harmful information cannot enter the system from an external source, COUNSELLINGWork will ensure that any information accessed on the Internet is protected from viruses and malware using the appropriate internet security, such as anti-virus software. Any potential breach of confidentiality or access to illegal content will be treated very seriously and could result in Police action or dismissal. Please see Confidentiality Policy.

Social Media

COUNSELLINGWork do not want to prevent staff and volunteers from using social media, however, it is important that they understand the need to be mindful when sharing information and networking online. Staff and volunteers are expected to understand the difference between business and private use of social media and encouraged to refrain from discussing private service matters online. COUNSELLINGWork also want to protect staff and volunteers against online bullying and ensure that our reputation is guarded. Please speak to MICHAELA SHEPPARD if you are concerned about online bullying or suspect malpractice or unethical conduct within the service. Anyone seen to be abusing this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

Monitoring and Reporting

COUNSELLINGWORK encourage an open and honest environment where any concerns can be voiced and dealt with appropriately and in confidence, and will ensure that communication channels are in place to allow for this. It is the responsibility of MICHAELA SHEPPARD to keep staff and service users informed about data protection and information sharing and where necessary to provide training to support this. Security software will also be monitored periodically to minimise risk.

Resources

Data Protection Act 1998
GOV.UK www.gov.uk
ICO www.ico.org.uk

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the MICHAELA SHEPPARD.

Data Protection Registration Number: ZA935191