Our Commitment to Your Privacy
We are fully compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are dedicated to protecting your privacy, handling your information responsibly, and ensuring transparency in how we use your data.
How We Use Your Information (UK GDPR)
The IPS collects, uses, and stores your personal data strictly in line with UK GDPR.
Key Points:
- We use your data only for therapeutic and operational purposes. Our lawful basis for processing personal data is primarily Article 6(1)(b) (necessary for the performance of a contract) and Article 9(2)(h) (health and social care purposes) for special category data.
- You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your data.
- We implement strong safeguards to protect your personal information.
Getting in Touch
UK Data Protection Lead
Catherine Cresswell
Email: cresswellpsychologist@gmail.com
We are registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number: Z101218X. You can verify our registration here: https://ico.org.uk/ESDWebPages/Search.
How We Collect Your Information
We may collect your personal information in the following ways:
- Directly from you, when you use our services or fill in our forms.
- Indirectly, through a referral (e.g. from a parent, guardian, school, or employer). If you’re referred by someone else, they are responsible for informing you and obtaining your consent where appropriate.
Information we collect is stored securely in electronic systems and includes:
Personal Data:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Email and phone number
- Next of kin
- Insurance and GP details
Sensitive Personal Data (when relevant to therapy):
- Mental health or wellbeing context
- Family and relationship information
- Reason for accessing therapy
How We Use Your Information
Your data is used to support your care and the operation of our service. This includes:
- Processing referrals
- Reviewing suitability and matching with a therapist
- Maintaining clinical records and appointment notes
- Providing relevant information to your assigned therapist
- Collecting feedback via questionnaires
- Supporting therapist supervision and ongoing service quality
Information is shared internally only when necessary, and externally only with your consent, ensuring only the right people see the information needed to support your care.
Data retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy and in accordance with professional and legal obligations. After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
Your Rights Under Data Protection Law
IPS respects and supports your rights, including:
- Right to Access
You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. If you only need part of your record, let us know to speed up the process. We may ask for ID to confirm your request. We aim to respond within one month. - Right to Rectification
If your information is incorrect, you can request it be corrected. In some situations, we may be required by law to keep the original version, but we will discuss this with you. - Right to Object or Withdraw Consent
You can object to how we use your information where permitted by law. If you’ve given consent, you can withdraw it at any time. - Right to Complain
You have the right to raise concerns or lodge a complaint if you’re unhappy with how we handle your data. You can contact our Data Protection Lead or visit https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/ for more details.
Profiling and Automated Decisions
We do not use profiling or automated decision-making in any part of your care. If you have concerns about this, please get in touch with our Data Protection Lead.
Cookie Policy
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by websites. Some are essential for website function, while others help us understand how people use our site.
Your Cookie Choices
When you visit our website, you’ll be asked whether you want to accept non-essential cookies. You can change your preferences at any time via the pop-up settings.
Cookies We Use
We use Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors use our website. This data is anonymous and not used to identify you or track your activity beyond our site.
For more information about cookies, see:
Policy Updates
We regularly review this policy to ensure it remains accurate and relevant. The version posted on our website will always be the most current. Please check back periodically to stay informed.