Working Online & GDPR

Since the Lockdown in March 2020, I have developed my online practice and, following internet and client safety guidelines, I now use a specific and encrypted platform for my private work that does not need dowloading be the people I work with.  It also provides a unique coded Link for each person I meet with which I will send a few days beforehand by email.   I also have added security through the use if a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as well as direct fibre optic cable connection with strong broadband connection to maximise signal strength.  If there are any difficulties or disruptions to connection during a session then I have immediate access to WhatsApp or FaceTime on my phone which, in turn, is a fully encrypted service with VPN.  This ensures, hopefully, that no-one is left without contact during our work together. 

In turn, for supervision meetings I use Zoom Pro.

Due to my phone often being on silent while working, I am not always available to answer any calls.  I'm afraid I cannot return any phone calls I recieve when there are no voicemail messages identifying the caller nor can I engage in any lengthy email exchanges or requests to meet or talk outside of our agreed times.  All emails with confidential information will be deleted following replies. 

All my hand-written Clinical Notes will be shredded after 7 years following the end of our work together unless otherwise agreed at the end of our work together. 

All client email addresses and telephone numbers are deleted from my email system and telephone following the end of our work together.

Once you have contacted me and we have agreed to work together, I will email you a Confidentiality Agreement (copy illustrated below) and a Pro-forma invoice with my Bank details for the first session as all online work has meant payments have to be made via BACs.  I would prefer payments are made either before or on the day of our agreed appointment and with your name as a refererence for my records. Thanks, and look forward to meeting you.

Therapy Agreement & GDPR Statement

I, Bob Froud, agree to provide Psychotherapy/Counselling to the undersigned at £...........  per session unless otherwise negotiated or, if applicable, please state funding provider below.  Each session will be approx. 1 hour in length occurring at times agreed between myself and the person named below.  I will not disclose any information discussed within these sessions with anyone except, as per BACP Ethical Guidelines, with my Clinical Supervisor who will maintain the same agreed confidentiality.  All client notes are hand-written, coded and kept in a secure locked cabinet.  Your personal details below are scanned, coded and kept on an encrypted flash-drive, the original will be shredded or returned if requested.  No other personal information is kept apart from contact number and/or email address which are deleted once work is completed. Throughout our work together I will act in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and in the interests and well-being of the person named below.

I hold the right to inform your GP or relevant authority if I believe you present a serious danger to yourself or to others. However, I will try to discuss any such concerns with you first and agree, whenever possible, the best possible action in such a situation and in accordance with ethical practice.

With regard to agreed dates and times of sessions, I require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if a session cannot be attended otherwise the full fee will be due.  Any Funding Provider’s terms and conditions, including GDPR, will be applicable and may include your requirement to pay such cancellations if not covered in their contract with you.

Please complete and sign below if satisfied with above.

Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………..………... D.o.b: ………………….………..

Address:

………………………………………………….…………………………………………………… Post Code: ……………..…………...

Tel: …………………………………………………….………..         Mob: …………………………………..………………………….

Email: ……………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….………………….

Funding Provider (if applicable): ………………………..………………………………………………………………………….

GP’s name: ……………………………………………..………………..…….. Tel. No.: ………………………..…………………..

Surgery Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………….….

Present Medication: ……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………..

Signature:…………………………………………………………………………………. Date: …………………….………..