Keeping Information about You:

New Rules about Data

 

Why do I keep information about you? And what information do I keep?

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As a psychotherapist, supervisor and consultant, I often need to keep some information about the

people I am working with in order to be able to do my job. Information such as contact details, notes,

reports I may write on your behalf and where relevant, information from other professionals

involved in your care.

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It is important you know that the personal information I hold is only used in the context of my work

with you. I will not share your personal details with any other person or organisation without your

knowledge and permission, unless there is a legal requirement e.g. a safeguarding issue, or perceived

risk of harm.

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How do I keep your information safe? How long do I keep your information?

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I take all reasonable precautions to ensure that your personal information is used and stored

securely. Electronic information is held securely, and is also encrypted whilst paper documentation is

stored in a secured archive. When my work with you ends your data will continue to be stored

securely. The duration of storage will vary depending on your situation. Usually this is for 7 years

after you reach your majority (18) and then it will be destroyed. 7 years for anyone who is over 18

from the outset of work.

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N.B - If I work with you in a freelance capacity within a service/organisation you’re accessing, e.g. the

NHS or a social care departments/teams then information about you - about our work - will also be

stored on their systems. These organisations will have their own policies on what, where and how

long they store your data.

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Who can see my information?

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I obviously see your information and if I’m working with you via an organisation e.g. the NHS or a

social services agency, for example, then other professionals involved in your care will also have

access to your records. This will be a limited, on a need to know, basis.

 

Why am I telling you this?

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Because I keep information about you the law now says I must tell you what sort of information I am

holding, why I am keeping it and how it is stored. Because I store informa9on about people I am

registered with the Information Commissioners Office and follow a law called the Data Protection

Act.

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*Please kindly circle one of the following statements:

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Yes, I consent to you holding and processing my data in accordance to the new general data

protection regulations.

Or

No, I don't consent.

 

Name, date and Signature:

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