Privacy Policy

Last updated: 24th July 2026

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The Next Chapter UK is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care, in accordance with UK GDPR and the guidance of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

This policy explains what information I collect, why I collect it, how it is used, and the rights you have over your data.

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1. Who I am

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The Next Chapter Counselling

Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Email: info@thenextchapteruk.co.uk

Phone: 07721 346 351

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2. What information I collect

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I collect and process the following types of personal information:

Information you provide directly

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• Your name and contact details

• Information shared during enquiries or consultations

• Personal information you choose to share during therapy sessions

• Emergency contact details

• Payment information (not stored by me if paid via bank transfer)

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Special category data

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Therapy involves discussing sensitive information about your mental health and personal experiences. This information is processed under the lawful basis of “provision of health care” and “explicit consent” under UK GDPR.

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3. Why I collect your information

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I collect and use your information to:

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• Provide counselling services

• Communicate with you about appointments

• Maintain accurate clinical records

• Ensure safety, safeguarding and duty of care

• Comply with legal, professional and ethical obligations

• Manage payments and invoicing

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I only collect information that is necessary for delivering therapy safely and effectively.

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4. Lawful basis for processing

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

• Contract – to provide counselling services you have requested

• Consent – for holding and processing special category data

• Legal obligation – for record‑keeping, safeguarding and insurance requirements

• Vital interests – if I need to share information to protect life

• Legitimate interests – for running and managing my business safely and professionally

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5. How your information is stored

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Your information is stored securely in password‑protected digital files. Paper notes (if used) are kept in locked storage.

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I take all reasonable steps to protect your data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

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6. How long your information is kept

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In line with professional and insurance requirements, therapy records are kept for seven years after your final session. After this period, all records are securely destroyed.

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7. When information may be shared

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Your information is confidential and will not be shared unless:

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• You give explicit consent

• I am legally required to do so (e.g., a court order)

• There is a safeguarding concern involving serious risk of harm

• I need to share limited information with my clinical supervisor (standard practice in counselling; your identity is protected)

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I will always aim to discuss this with you first unless doing so would increase risk.

 

8. Your rights under UK GDPR

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You have the right to:

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• Access the personal data I hold about you

• Request corrections to inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your data (in some circumstances)

• Restrict or object to processing

• Request transfer of your data to another provider

• Withdraw consent at any time

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To exercise any of these rights, contact me at info@thenextchapteruk.co.uk.

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9. Website data

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When you visit my website, basic technical information may be collected automatically (e.g., cookies, IP address, analytics). This helps improve the website but does not identify you personally.

The website may contain links to external sites; I am not responsible for their privacy practices.

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10. If you have concerns

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If you have any concerns about how your data is handled, please contact me directly in the first instance.

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

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11. Updates to this policy

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This policy may be updated occasionally to reflect changes in legislation or practice. The most recent version will always be available on my website.