Privacy Notice
Last updated: 12th October 2025
Data Controller: Mike Clement - Counsellor & Supervisor
Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Privacy at a Glance
I take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously.
When you contact me or work with me as a counsellor or supervisor, I collect only the information that is necessary to provide a safe and professional service. This includes basic contact details, relevant personal and therapeutic information, and notes from our sessions.
Your information is used solely for counselling or supervision purposes, to arrange appointments, maintain professional records, and ensure ethical and legal accountability.
Your data is kept securely—either in locked cabinets or encrypted digital files—and retained for up to seven years after our work ends, in line with professional and insurance requirements. It is then securely deleted.
You have full rights over your data, including the right to access, correct, or delete it. I never share your information for marketing or commercial purposes.
If you ever have questions or concerns about how your data is handled, you can contact me directly or raise a concern with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
1. Introduction
This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
My goal is to provide transparency and reassurance about how your personal information is handled.
2. Who I Am
Name: Mike Clement
Practice Name: Mike Clement Counselling
Role: Counsellor & Supervisor
Email: info@mikeclementcounselling.co.uk
Phone: 07748477904
Website: www.mikeclementcounselling.co.uk
ICO Registration: 00010473927
3. What Information I Collect
I collect only the information necessary to provide counselling or supervision safely and effectively, such as:
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Contact details (name, address, phone number, email)
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Personal details (date of birth, GP, emergency contact)
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Information you share in sessions or on intake forms
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Administrative data (invoices, correspondence, scheduling)
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Technical data for online sessions (meeting times, links, etc.)
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Minimal website data (cookies and analytics – see Section 10)
4. Why I Collect and Use Your Information
I use your information to:
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Arrange and provide counselling or supervision
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Communicate about appointments, fees, or service updates
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Maintain appropriate clinical records as required by professional standards
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Fulfil legal, ethical, and insurance obligations
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Support safety and safeguarding where required
I only collect data that is relevant and necessary for our work together.
5. Lawful Bases for Processing
Under UK GDPR, I rely on the following lawful bases:
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Contract: to provide counselling or supervision services you have requested.
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Consent: when you give explicit consent for specific purposes (e.g. contact via email).
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Legal obligation: where I must share information by law (e.g. safeguarding, terrorism, or court order).
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Legitimate interests: for secure record keeping and professional administration.
6. How Your Data Is Stored
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Paper records are kept in a locked cabinet in a secure office.
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Digital records are stored on password-protected, encrypted devices.
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Emails and texts are deleted once they are no longer needed.
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Data is retained for up to 7 years after our work ends, then securely deleted or destroyed.
I use robust security measures to protect against unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss.
7. Online Sessions (Zoom and Google Meet)
If you choose to work with me online, sessions may be held via Zoom or Google Meet.
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Both platforms use end-to-end encryption and comply with UK GDPR.
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Meeting links and passwords are shared only with you and not with third parties.
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Sessions are not recorded, unless explicitly agreed in writing and for a specific purpose.
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I encourage you to ensure privacy at your end (use headphones, a private space, and a secure connection).
8. Who I May Share Information With
Your information is confidential and will not be shared except in the following circumstances:
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You give explicit consent (e.g. for me to contact your GP or another professional).
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There is a legal or ethical obligation (e.g. risk of serious harm to yourself or others, safeguarding, or court order).
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Anonymous material is shared within professional supervision, as required by the BACP Ethical Framework.
I do not sell, share, or use your data for marketing or advertising.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Access your information (request a copy of what I hold).
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Rectify inaccuracies or incomplete data.
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Erase data, where legally and ethically appropriate.
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Restrict how your data is used.
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Port your data to another provider.
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Object to the use of your data in certain situations.
To exercise these rights, contact me using the details above.
If you are not satisfied with my response, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk | 0303 123 1113
10. Website and Cookies
This website uses minimal cookies for basic functionality and anonymous visitor analytics.
Cookies do not collect identifiable personal information, and you can manage or disable them through your browser settings.
11. Confidentiality and Data Security
I follow the BACP Ethical Framework and take all reasonable steps to protect your data.
If a data breach ever occurs, I will take immediate action in line with ICO reporting requirements.
12. Updates to This Notice
This Privacy Notice is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current data protection laws and professional standards.
Any updates will be posted on my website.
13. Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this notice or how your data is handled, please contact:
Mike Clement
Email: info@mikeclementcounselling.co.uk
Phone: 07748477904
Website: www.mikeclementcounselling.co.uk
