Privacy Policy

This notice explains how Abigail Oatway Counselling collects, uses and processes your personal data. Representative and Data Processor: Abigail Oatway

What data I collect from you

Name, address, date of birth, next of kin, personal history, medical and educational information and other relevant information. I also make my own notes as a reminder of what we have discussed in our sessions. The personal data I hold comes from the client record sheet I ask you to complete at our assessment, or may come from a school, college, GP or other service if they are referring you.

Purpose of data processing

I collect this information to enable me to provide you with Professional counselling services and to plan and review your treatment.

Legitimate interests of data processing

The law allows me to collect and store information so I can provide you with services. I do not need your explicit consent as I have a legitimate business justification for holding this data. If the client is a minor then a parent or guardian has rights over the data until such a time as they are deemed competent to exercise and understand their rights.

Recipients of data 

I do not share your personal information with any third party without your prior written consent. This may be required were I to make a referral to another service on your behalf, or need to liaise with medical staff or carers regarding your treatment. I do not use your data for marketing purposes.

Retention periods

I retain these records for at least seven years after the last session or, in the case of minors, for at least seven years after they reach the age of majority (18) however I may legally retain them for longer in order to meet the terms of my professional indemnity insurance.

Rights of individuals in respect to processing

You have the right to view the records that I hold (make a Subject Access Request). You can request this verbally or in writing, or by electronic means. I will respond within one month.

Right to Erasure

Your right to have your data removed from my records (‘right to erasure’ or ‘right to be forgotten’) is waived, since this data may be required to defend any legal claim against me under the terms of my professional indemnity insurance.