PRIVACY STATEMENT

The Data Protection Act:

The Data Protection Act 2018 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government. The Data Protection Act 2018 is the UK’s implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called ‘data protection principles.’ They must make sure the information is: used fairly, lawfully and transparently, used for specified, explicit purposes, used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary, accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date, kept for no longer than is necessary, handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage.

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Your Rights:

Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to find out what information the government and other organisations store about you. These include the right to: be informed about how your data is being used, access personal data, have incorrect data updated, have data erased, stop or restrict the processing of your data, data portability (allowing you to get and reuse your data for different services), object to how your data is processed in certain circumstances. You also have rights when an organisation is using your personal data for: automated decision-making processes (without human involvement) and profiling, for example to predict your behaviour or interests. (Source: www.gov.uk/data-protection)

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What type of information do I collect and why?

I collect personal contact information, such as name, phone number and email. This is collected to allow communication between us. I collect further personal information when filling out the client information form and risk assessment at the beginning of our arrangement. Sections of the form are optional and you do not have to give any details if you do not wish to. This information is treated confidentially and is only collected to enhance our work together. I also collect small amounts of medical information such as GP details & medical history as well as a next of kin contact. This information allows me to be equipped with any relevant information that could affect the sessions, as well as having an emergency contact. I also keep brief session notes to help me stay informed about previous discussions as well as for supervision prompts. Supervision is where I explore how I am working with another fully qualified counsellor and I maintain client anonymity within these sessions by using pseudonyms. 

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How is information securely stored and for how long?

The information I collect is stored both electronically and in paper form (handwritten & hard copy). Electronic data is stored on my laptop as well as a separate work phone, both of which require a password & pin to gain access. My email account also requires a username & password. I also use a meeting notebook for handwritten session notes which is stored in a locked file, alongside any hardcopy contracts, client information sheets & risk assessments. I routinely delete any electronic correspondence from my laptop and phone within 6 months of the sessions ending. Any client records will be kept for 5 years (child client records will be kept until the individual turns 23 – 5 years after they reach majority). This is in accordance with my therapeutic insurance policy and all records will be destroyed after this time.

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Obtaining your information:

As stated above, you have the right to access this information and request for it to be updated/erased, in which case I would ask that you contact me via email: info@eclipsecounselling.com (alternative: elbennett@live.com). Please be aware that I would need to keep a copy of this request as evidence, but all other data will be permanently changed/destroyed in line with your wishes.

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Website & Other Platforms:​

This site is hosted on the Wix.com platform and your data may be stored through their databases, on secure servers behind a firewall. You can read Wix.com's privacy policy here.

I also use a variety of other platforms, especially for working online, and although I cannot guarantee 100% safety, I am committed to using software that adheres to the relevant security standards. Each platform is responsible for how they collect, use and store data. Their individual privacy policies are as follows; Google Meet, Zoom, Whatsapp Business, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Google Business.

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Cookies:

Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored in the browser to help enhance the performance of a site. They monitor the operation and effectiveness whilst ensuring the site is secure and safe to use. They require the consent of the site visitor, which is why you will have noticed the cookie banner at the bottom of the screen pop up when you first accessed the site. You have the right to see what cookies are being used, opt out or manage your preferences. The following are links on how to access cookie settings on different browsers; 

Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari (OS X) for desktop & Android, Safari (iOS) for mobile.

To opt out of Google Analytics on all websites, visit here. For more information on cookies visit here.

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