Confidentiality
The University Counselling Service is a confidential service. Our strict adherence to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's Ethical Framework means we will not discuss details of the counselling sessions without the express written and verbal permission of the client.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
In exceptional circumstances we may have to disclose information but we would make every effort to do this with your knowledge and agreement.
These exceptions are outlined in the BACP guidelines on confidentiality and are:
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where there is risk of harm to yourself or others;
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under the Prevention of Terrorism Act;
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if the counsellor is subpoenaed or summoned as a witness in a Court of Law.
Record Keeping
The Service works under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.
The factual data you give to the Service and the dates on which you attend for Counselling are stored in order to compile anonymous statistics on the use of the service.
Your Counsellor may also keep notes on your meetings to help him/her in their work with you. These are kept completely separate from the University student record system. In accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework of Good Practice counsellors adhere to strict principles of anonymity in their record keeping.
Access to Records
Under the Data Protection Act (1998), clients have the right to access any records kept about them. This does not include sensitive information about a third party or confidential information obtained from another source, e.g. correspondence from a tutor or a doctor. If you would like to access your counselling records, requests need to be made to the Head of Service in writing, briefly stating your reason(s).