Privacy Notice (UK GDPR)

Your privacy is important to me. This notice explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you contact me or receive counselling.

I am the Data Controller for your personal information. 

I collect only the information necessary to provide counselling safely and ethically, including your contact details, GP details, emergency contact, assessment information, session notes and payment records. 

The lawful bases for processing are the performance of our counselling contract, legitimate interests, legal obligations and, where appropriate, explicit consent. 

Greg Simmonds Counselling & Psychotherapy is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and processes personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

ICO Registration Number: ZC195899.

You can verify my registration on the ICO Register of Fee Payers - https://ico.org.uk

Your information is stored securely using password-protected and/or encrypted systems. Paper records, where used, are stored securely. 

Records are usually retained for seven years after the end of therapy before confidential destruction. 

I will never sell your information. It is only shared where legally or ethically required. 

You have the right to request access to your personal data, request that inaccurate information is corrected, request restriction of processing, object to processing in certain circumstances, and make a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Some of these rights may be limited where I have legal, ethical, or professional obligations to retain records. Requests are normally provided free of charge in accordance with UK data protection law. A reasonable fee may be charged only where a request is manifestly unfounded, excessive, or for additional copies of information already provided.

If you have any questions about how your personal information is handled, or if you wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact me using the details on my Contact page.