Welcome to my privacy policy which I have produced in order to let you know how I store and manage any personal data I receive on my website (Tracy Smithers -www.stepbysteptherapies.co.uk) and also to comply with the principles and standards of General Data Protection Register (GDPR, May 2018).
I am committed to the principles of data protection and privacy and as such carry out my business (stepbysteptherapies.co.uk), in compliance with the General Data Protection Register, May 2018. The personal data that you supply to this website, (www.stepbysteptherapies,co.uk) is respected and I will not disclose this personal information to third parties, under any circumstances, unless required to do so by law. I will also not provide personal information to any third party for the purpose of direct marketing.
DATA CONTROLLER:
I, TRACY SMITHERS am the DATA CONTROLLER for www.stepbysteptherapies.co.uk, and the business operates from, PARK HOUSE, AINSTABLE, CARLISLE, CUMBRIA CA4 9QN.
YOUR RIGHTS:
In accordance with the requirements of data protection and GDPR (General Data Protection Register) you have the right to have access to see and be informed about:
* What information is collected about you and how it is stored.
* To see information and have access to information I hold about you, if requested.
*To rectify any inaccurate or incomplete information I hold about you.
* To withdraw consent to me using your personal information.
* To request that your personal information be erased. Although if the information is required for me to practice lawfully and ethically I can
decline.
SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Reasonable technical and organisational precautions will be taken to prevent loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information. Data transmission over the internet is inherently insecure and I cannot guarantee the security of the data sent over the internet. I am committed to the principles of confidentiality, data protection and privacy and as such I carry out my business (stepbysteptherapies.co.uk, by following the principles and standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the General Data Protection Register (GDPR).
WEBSITE VISITS AND DATA PROTECTION:
If you choose to contact me by my website or emailing me, none of the data will be stored on this website. If you begin counseling with me you have a right of access to see any notes I may hold for you. These notes will be kept for six- seven years, which is a requirement for people of 18 years and above. For children under 18 year of age the notes will be kept for six- seven years after they reach the age of 18 years. All information is kept securely and confidentially in a locked fireproof container. If you have queries or questions about this privacy policy , please write or email me, using the contact details provided on this website (www.stepbysteptherapies.co.uk).
UPDATING INFORMATION:
Please let me know if the personal information held about you needs to be corrected or changed.
SHARING INFORMATION -SUPERVISION:
As part of my ethical practice I (TRACY SMITHERS) are required to have regular supervision with another therapist who is qualified in this process. Having supervision ensures that I am able to work ethically and to the best of my ability with the clients I am working with. This regular supervision process is also protected by the principles and ethics of privacy and confidentiality and my supervisor will not know you personally or professionally. I do not provide the supervisor with last names, telephone numbers, addresses or email contacts. This protects your anonymity and privacy.
STORAGE METHODS:
* Paper written note will be kept in a locked fireproof container and will not be transported outside of the building.
*Phone communication. I do not store communication or personal data on my phone.
* Website, no personal data will be stored on this website.
* Emails, no personal data will be stored in my email account , which password protected.
* Computer, personal data will not be stored on my computer.
COMPLAINTS:
You have a right to make a complaint. However, in the first instance if we are working together, please let me know what your concerns are and then we can try and resolve any issues, that may be affecting you. If we cannot resolve these issues then you can contact the British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy and discuss the concerns/issues you may have, or the Information Commission Office (ICO), who I am registered with. My ICO registration number is A8415699.
POLICY AMENDMENTS:
This privacy policy may be updated from time-to-time by posting a new version on the website. Please check this page occasionally to ensure you are happy with any changes.