I follow UK Law (GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018) and am registered with the Infomation commissioner Office (ZC016733). The information I collect is used soley by myself and is not shared with third parties or marketing. I only collect relevant information that I need to support you such as your contact details abd breif session notes. All information gathered is electronically stored in an a secure and encrypted device that only I have access too. All information is stored for the recommended timeframe of 7 years or until the company dissolves. You have the right under the freedom of information Act 2000 to request a copy of your notes, correct anything that is wrong and ask what information I am holding.

More information can be found on the below links.

https://ico.org.uk/ 

https://www.gov.uk/data-protection 

Confidentiality is the foundation of our work together.

All information shared within counselling and psychotherapy session is treated as confidential. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with legal obligations and the British association for counselling and psychotherapy ethical guidelines. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality such as:

1. Legal Requirements – If I am required by law to disclose information (e.g., court order, safeguarding concerns).
2. Disclosure of serious criminal activity – Confidentiality may be breached with external services if a disclosure is made that implicates or involves criminal activity within certain legal Acts such as Human trafficking/ Modern slavery Act 2015, Terrorism Act 2006, The Children’s Act 1989, Safeguarding vulnerable person Act 2014, Money Laundering Act 2017.
3. Risk of Harm – If you disclose information indicating a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.
4. Supervision – I may discuss aspects of our work with my clinical supervisor to ensure best practice. Your identity will always remain protected, and my supervisor is bound by confidentiality.

When a breach of confidentiality is required by law or ethical duty, where possible and appropriate, you will be informed of such, and this decision will be discussed with you before the breach of confidentiality occurs. Any disclosure of information will remain within necessary limitations, made to the appropriate authorities only and in accordance with the law.

Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. This applies to children, young people, and vulnerable adults (anyone who may be unable to protect themselves due to age, illness, disability, or personal circumstances).

I am committed to the safety and well-being of every person I work with. I take my safeguarding responsibilities seriously and follow all relevant legal guidelines, alongside the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Safeguarding vulnerable group Act 2006 and the Care Act 2014.

I keep my safeguarding training up to date and follow best practice to ensure I recognise signs of harm and know how to respond appropriately.

I am committed to treating everyone with equal dignity and respect, regardless of background, identity or circumstances. I follow the Equality Act 2010 and BACP ethical guidelines to ensure an inclusive space for all. However, due to my own limitations and capabilities please note the following.

Communication: I speak English only. I have a basic knowledge of Level 1 BSL only, which is limited to simple communication.

Location: My therapy room is located on the ground floor with wheelchair accessible bathroom.

Information documents: I am able to provide large prints and audio of documents but unable to provide braile.

Age Range: I work exclusively with adults aged 18 and over. I am not trained to work with children or young people under 18.

Access & Fees: I offer concessionary rates for those on a low income, ensuring cost is never a barrier to support.

Session Options: We can work face-to-face, online, by telephone, or via walk & talk sessions. Residential visits are available only in exceptional circumstances.

I will always be clear about my limits and capabilities. If I am not the right person to support you, I will help signpost you to someone suitable.

I aim to provide a safe, respectful and high-quality service. If you are unhappy or have concerns, please let me know — I take all feedback seriously.

• Informal: Please speak to me directly or contact me by phone or email. Most matters are resolved quickly this way.
• Formal: If you wish to make a formal complaint, please put it in writing. I will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days and respond fully within 20 working days.
• Independent: If you remain unhappy with my response, you may contact my professional body: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) at www.bacp.co.uk

48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule. Any payment made will be credited to your next session.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice, or missed sessions, are charged in full and must be paid with or before your next booking.

Sickness exception: This policy does not apply if you advise me of illness at least 1 hour before your session starts. This flexibility applies to a maximum of 2 consecutive sessions as a reasonable adjustment.

I will give you 48 hours’ notice if I need to cancel, wherever possible.

If 3 consecutive sessions are cancelled (by either of us), we will need to discuss and review how we move forward with future appointments.

I am registered member (417796) and adhere to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework, ensuring all my work is safe, professional and ethical.

Safety & Trust: I prioritise your wellbeing, creating a non-judgemental, confidential and secure space at all times.

Integrity & Respect: I value your uniqueness, treat you with dignity, and never act in a way that could cause harm or exploitation.

Competence: I work only within my training and experience, keep my skills updated, and receive regular professional supervision.

Confidentiality: What you share remains private, except where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others — details are set out in my Safeguarding Policy.

Transparency: I am open and clear about how I work, my limits, fees and policies, so you always know where you stand.

Your Rights: You are in control of your therapy; you can ask questions, raise concerns or end our work at any time.

I am committed to providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for all sessions, whether held face-to-face, online, or outdoors.

Risk Assessments: Regular risk assessments are carried out for all therapy spaces — including my practice room, outdoor locations for walk & talk sessions, and residential settings (where applicable). Any identified risks are managed and minimised promptly.

Environment: My practice space is clean, well-maintained, free from hazards, and designed to ensure your privacy and safety.

Outdoor Sessions: Routes and locations are checked in advance for safety; weather and ground conditions are always considered. Please not that due to the public environment, walk and talks can minimise confidentiality of the sessions.

Your Safety: You are responsible for your own safety and environment when joining online, telephone or walk & talk sessions. Please ensure you are in a safe, private place before we begin.

Reporting: Please inform me immediately of any hazards, accidents or safety concerns you notice during our work together.

I work within the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical guidelines; you can find the information for this on their website at https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/.

I hold a valid public liability insurance with the coverage of international work. However, all sessions provided to the client are conducted from and within the United Kingdom via a secure online platform for the availability of international work. I do not have any connection overseas whether it be law, finance or personal. Therefore, the contract between client and therapist is subject to English and Welsh law and within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the United Kingdom. Furthermore, any complaints or claims made against the therapist must be made via the correct channels within the United Kingdom.

I hold full Public Liability Insurance provided by Holistic Insurance Services (HIS118044) covering all my professional practice activities including online international clients.

This insurance provides protection and cover in the unlikely event of any claim for injury, loss or damage occurring to you or your property during our sessions or as a result of my professional work.

I maintain valid insurance cover at all times as part of my professional obligations and ethical practice standards.

I am entered onto the DBS update service (C764362009) since 2024 with an enhanced DBS certificate to work with Adults and Vulnerable Adults.