Privacy Notice
The Bridge Counselling & Wellbeing Practice
1. Introduction
This Privacy Notice explains how The Bridge Counselling & Wellbeing Practice collects, uses, stores and protects personal information in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
2. Data Controller
The Bridge Counselling & Wellbeing Practice Ltd is the Data Controller for personal information collected and processed as part of the services provided by the practice. Ben Blackman MBACP acts on behalf of The Bridge Counselling & Wellbeing Practice Ltd in the provision of counselling services and the management of client information.
3. Information I Collect
I may collect personal details, contact details, GP information, emergency contact information, assessment information, session notes, appointment information, payment records and information voluntarily provided during enquiries.
Information I may collect includes:
Name, address, date of birth, email address and telephone number
GP details and emergency / next of kin details
Assessment information and session notes
Appointment records and payment records
Other information relevant to the provision of counselling
4. Website Visitors
The website may collect technical information through cookies, analytics and contact forms to help improve website performance and user experience.
Website enquiries submitted through contact forms on my website are delivered directly to my designated email account for the purpose of responding to enquiries and managing counselling services.
5. Why Information Is Collected
To provide counselling services, manage appointments, maintain records, communicate with clients, comply with professional obligations and protect client safety where necessary.
6. Legal Basis for Processing
Information is processed under the lawful bases of contract, legitimate interests, legal obligations and, where applicable, special category health data provisions under UK GDPR.
7. Confidentiality
Information shared in counselling is treated as confidential except where disclosure is required for safeguarding, serious risk of harm, legal obligations or court orders.
8. Clinical Supervision
As a Registered Member of the BACP, I attend regular clinical supervision. Client work may be discussed anonymously for professional and ethical purposes.
9. Record Keeping
I keep brief, factual counselling notes and administrative records to support continuity of care, professional accountability and safe practice.
10. Storage of Information
Information may be stored on password-protected devices, secure cloud services, Microsoft 365 services, Microsoft Bookings systems and locked storage where paper records are held.
Information may be stored using:
Microsoft 365 services, including Outlook and OneDrive
Microsoft Bookings
Secure email systems
Website contact forms provided through Framer
Password-protected devices and locked storage for paper records where applicable
Reasonable technical and organisational measures are taken to protect personal information from unauthorised access, misuse, loss or disclosure. Access to client information is restricted to those who have a legitimate reason to access it.
11. Retention Periods
Counselling records are normally retained for seven years following the end of counselling. Enquiries not progressing to counselling are normally retained for up to 12 months. Financial records are normally retained for a minimum of six years.
12. Sharing Information
Information is not routinely shared with third parties and will only be disclosed where required by law, safeguarding responsibilities, prevention of serious harm or court order.
13. Data Breaches
In the unlikely event of a personal data breach, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with UK GDPR requirements and reported where necessary.
14. Your Rights
You have the right to request access to your information, request corrections, request deletion where appropriate, restrict processing and lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
15. Cookies and Analytics
The website may use cookies and website analytics to improve website performance and visitor experience.
16. Complaints
Concerns regarding the handling of personal information should be raised with me in the first instance. You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).