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Privacy Notice

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Introduction

This Privacy Notice explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, respect, and confidentiality.

 

About me

Name: Nicky Kantura
Role: Counsellor
Website: www.nickykantura.co.uk
Email: kanturanicky@gmail.com
Telephone: 07875 704567

I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
ICO registration number: ZB664131

I am the data controller for the personal data you provide.

 

What data I collect

During counselling, I collect and store personal and sensitive information necessary for our working relationship and your safety. This may include:

  • Name, address, and date of birth

  • Telephone number and email address

  • GP details

  • Emergency contact details

  • Relevant medical information, including medication

  • Information shared during counselling sessions

  • Brief anonymised session notes

  • Correspondence related to appointments or therapy

This includes special category data, such as information about your mental and physical health.

 

Why I collect your data

Your data is collected and used to:

  • Provide counselling safely and ethically

  • Maintain appropriate clinical records

  • Manage appointments and communication

  • Ensure your wellbeing and safety

  • Meet legal, professional, and insurance requirements

Only information that is necessary for these purposes is collected.

 

Lawful basis for processing

Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases I rely on are:

  • Contract – to provide counselling services

  • Legal obligation – for record keeping and safeguarding

  • Legitimate interests – for practice administration

  • Consent – where you have explicitly opted in (for example, contact about events or workshops)

For special category data, the condition relied upon is:

  • Provision of health or social care

 

How your data is stored

Your personal data is stored securely:

  • Electronic records are password-protected

  • Paper records are stored in a locked cabinet

  • Session notes are anonymised

  • Access to identifiable data is restricted to me only

Reasonable steps are taken to protect your data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

 

How long your data is kept

In line with my counselling agreement:

  • Client records are kept for 5 years after counselling ends

  • For clients under 18, records are kept for 5 years after their 18th birthday

After this period, records are securely destroyed.

 

Confidentiality and sharing of data

Your data is treated as confidential and is not shared without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

  • Where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others

  • Where disclosure is required by law

  • In clinical supervision (all information is anonymised)

Your data is never shared with external agencies for commercial or marketing purposes.

 

Optional contact about events and workshops

If you have given explicit consent, I may contact you about workshops, groups, or community events related to maternal mental health and wellbeing.

This consent is entirely optional and can be withdrawn at any time by contacting me. Choosing not to consent will not affect your counselling.

 

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request erasure of your data (where legally appropriate)

  • Request restriction of processing

  • Object to processing

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Request data portability

  • Make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

 

How to raise a concern or complaint

If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is handled, please contact me in the first instance so I can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk

 

Updates to this Privacy Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on my website.

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