In compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), I am legally required to inform you of how your personal data is handled. It is also a legal requirement for you to give informed consent to how your data is used.

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I,  Chloë Gracey, of Dare to Soar Counselling and Coaching, act as both the data controller and processor. For more information about UK GDPR, you can visit the Information Commissioner’s Office: https://ico.org.uk.

 

Why Personal Data is Collected

I collect personal data from clients such as contact information, and GP details to support our work together, and in case of emergencies. This includes information relevant to the therapeutic relationship.

 

Confidentiality – Will Your Information Be Shared?

I follow the BACP Ethical Framework and its supplementary guidance for online work. Our sessions are confidential, and information is only shared under specific professional and legal circumstances, such as:

• Clinical supervision: Required by BACP to ensure ethical practice. You may be discussed anonymously.

• Risk of harm: If you pose a serious risk to yourself or others, confidentiality may be broken to protect safety. I will inform you when possible.

• Legal obligations: Confidentiality may be overridden if you disclose involvement in money laundering, terrorism, or if required by a court order.

• Online communication: Emails and messages may be accessed by authorities if there is a suspicion of illegal activity.

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Data Storage and Retention

• Personal information is kept minimal and stored securely using encrypted digital records and locked physical storage, under anonymised coded client IDs.

• Records are retained for up to 7 years after our work ends and then securely destroyed.

• You may request, in writing, for your data to be deleted at any time.

• Contact numbers are stored coded and deleted once our professional relationship ends. 

• Data is used only for clinical purposes or supervision; You have full rights over your personal data and can contact the ICO if unsatisfied, though I encourage you to speak with me first.

•  I collect and process only the data needed to provide ethical, professional counselling/coaching services. This may include contact details, age, health information, sexuality (if relevant), and other sensitive data. Data is collected under the lawful basis of “Legitimate Interests.”

• If I become incapacitated or unable to contact you (e.g., illness or death), my appointed Therapeutic Executor—who adheres to BACP ethics and Data Protection law—will inform you.

 

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access and understand what data I hold about you

• Request corrections or deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Restrict or object to data processing

• Know the source of data not provided by you

• Be informed of any automated decisions affecting you

• Be notified of any data breaches within 72 hours

• File a complaint with the ICO 

 

Legal Jurisdiction

Any working agreement will be governed by the laws of England and Wales and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts.

 

Additional Notes

Payment Privacy: Please be mindful of your personal details when making payments. I cannot control the privacy settings of platforms like BACS or PayPal beyond my secure login credentials.

Email Security: Standard email is not secure. Consider using secure email for your own privacy

 

Inclusivity statement

Dare to Soar’s aim is to ensure that every client feels welcomed, respected, and appreciated, whatever their unique background or personal differences. Dare to Soar is dedicated to supporting a fair and unbiased approach, and the dignified treatment of all individuals. Dare to Soar is designed to foster a non-judgemental, safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to share their experiences openly, and feel genuinely seen and heard, regardless of background, culture, experiences, age, gender, race, religion, spiritual beliefs (or none), sexual orientation, neurodiversity or disability. Dare to Soar is committed to following the guidelines of the BACP Ethical Framework

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