My Policies

Data Protection:

​

I have a duty to keep information about you secure, and to comply with Data Protection Law. The type of data I keep may include: information from our initial discussions, e.g. contact details; from appointments, e.g. session notes; and from other communications, e.g. emails or phone calls. I keep this information for a minimum of seven years after counselling ends, and after that I do not keep information any longer than needed, unless I am requested to keep some data for legal purposes. Information is then deleted or disposed of thoroughly and securely, i.e. the information will no longer exist in either digital or paper form.

I (A.J. Quarmby) am responsible for collecting and looking after clients' personal information, which is retained securely on my digital information systems. If in paper form, it is kept securely locked away. Reasons why I retain data include: so I can keep in contact with clients during the counselling process; to arrange payments; or to ensure my support is effective and appropriate. I do not use personal data for marketing purposes. I work with the following organisations in order to let consulting rooms: Bingley Counselling Centre, Victoria Therapy Centre in Saltaire, and Wesley's Community Hub in Baildon - they do not have any access to my records and I use codes instead of names when booking rooms.

No-one else has access to your personal data. Counselling sessions are confidential, but there are exceptions to that confidentiality which are explained when you start therapy. If another reason for sharing information about you is identified, this can be discussed together to ensure this reason is lawful and ethical. In the event that I cease to practise as a counsellor, I will have previously arranged with my clinical supervisor to ensure any personal information about clients is dealt with ethically and legally. If I find there has been a breach of any personal data, I will inform the relevant clients of this as soon as possible and I will liaise with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).

GDPR law affords every person specific rights, in certain circumstances: to be informed how and why I look after personal data; to access information about yourself; to rectify or erase information about yourself; to restrict processing; to data portability; to object to the processing of data; and not to be subject to automated decision-making. Please contact me if you wish to consider or exercise any of these rights.

With regards to data I keep about children: under data protection law, a child with capacity to make their own decisions has a right to request and see their own records. If the child does not have this capacity, those with parental responsibility have the right to make decisions relevant to therapy and to see the child’s therapy records. However, there are exceptions which allow a counsellor to not share their records, if this decision would safeguard the health or safety of the child or others, or would safeguard a child protection investigation.

An afterword about online communication: the security of Zoom, WhatsApp, emails or phones cannot be absolutely guaranteed. I do all I can to protect clients' confidentiality. Zoom collects technical data from all its users to ensure its services can function effectively. The Zoom software and some phones also have an option for sessions to be recorded: this facility is not used by me.

​

Equality Statement:

A.J. Quarmby Counselling works within the law and follows guidelines set by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (the BACP). This service maintains an approach that values and respects everyone, and does not discriminate on grounds of culture, sex, gender, sexual orientation, neuro-identity, relationship diversity, physical or mental ability, race, colour, age, ethnicity, social origin, religion or belief, or relationship status.

​

Safeguarding Summary:

​

AJ Quarmby Counselling believes that: 
Children and vulnerable adults should never experience harm of any kind.
We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and to practise in a way that protects them.
All children have an equal right to protection from all types of harm.
Some children and adults are additionally vulnerable, and so extra safeguards may be needed to keep them safe.

​​

AJ Quarmby Counselling will seek to support children and vulnerable adults by: 
Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
Engaging in training about safeguarding and child protection best practice.
Remaining able to recognise possible risks.
Being insured to provide counselling/therapy to adults, children and young people.
Regularly updating a Disclosure & Barring Service Certificate.
Responding sensitively and appropriately to disclosures that relate to harm or potential harm to a child or vulnerable adult.
Meeting regularly with a clinical supervisor to discuss any safeguarding concerns.
Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, and being registered with the ICO.
Ensuring that in-person appointments are held in a safe physical environment.
Encouraging a culture where everyone who delivers and uses this service treats each other with respect.
Ensuring that clients are informed of BACP’s client help service when needed.