Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY
Survivors Support

Bee-lieve Survivors

1. Introduction

At Survivors Support, your privacy and trust are central to our work.
We understand that accessing counselling or emotional support can be deeply personal, and we are committed to protecting your confidentiality and personal data at every stage.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you engage with our services, whether online, by phone or in person. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who We Are

Survivors Support operates alongside associated partner organisations and services to provide counselling and emotional support to survivors of sexual abuse and trauma.

Across our services, support may be delivered by:

• Qualified counsellors
• Trainee counsellors working under supervision
• Company directors who are also practising professionals

All individuals delivering services operate under appropriate contracts or service agreements and are bound by strict confidentiality, data protection, and professional ethical standards.

Where services are delivered across more than one organisation, those organisations may act as joint data controllers where appropriate.

3. Information We Collect

We only collect the information necessary to provide safe and effective support.

Personal Information

• Name and contact details (email, phone, address)
• Emergency contact details (optional)
• Basic demographic information (optional)

Special Category Data

Due to the nature of counselling services, we may collect sensitive information, including:

• Information about your wellbeing, experiences and relevant background
• Any additional information you choose to share
• Counselling notes and session records

Digital Information

• Information submitted via forms, email or secure messaging
• Data processed during online sessions (e.g. Zoom or Microsoft Teams)
• Website usage data (e.g. cookies, IP address)

Online sessions are never recorded without your explicit written consent.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Arrange and provide counselling sessions (in-person or online)
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Communicate with you about appointments or support
• Meet legal, safeguarding and professional obligations
• Improve our services

We do not use your data for marketing without your explicit consent.

5. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Everything you share is treated as confidential.

However, information may be shared where necessary for:

• Safeguarding purposes
• Clinical supervision
• Risk management within the service

This means that, where appropriate, authorised members of the organisation (including supervisors, senior staff, or directors) may access relevant information to ensure your safety and the safe delivery of the service.

All such access is limited, necessary, and handled in line with confidentiality and professional standards.

6. Safeguarding and Legal Exceptions to Confidentiality

Confidentiality may be broken where required by law or where there is a serious risk of harm, including:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others
• Risk to a child or vulnerable adult

Legal obligations may include:

• Terrorism Act 2000
• Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Drug Trafficking Act 1994
• Court orders

Where possible, we will discuss this with you before sharing information, unless doing so would increase risk or breach legal obligations.

7. How We Store and Protect Your Information

• Digital records are stored on secure, encrypted, password-protected systems
• Paper records are stored in locked cabinets
• Access is restricted to authorised personnel only
• Online sessions are conducted using secure platforms

We retain records for up to 7 years after your last contact, unless legal or insurance requirements state otherwise.

8. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or share your data for marketing purposes.

Information may be shared only where:

• You have given explicit consent
• It is required for safeguarding
• It is required by law
• It is necessary for supervision, auditing, or insurance purposes (with identifying details minimised where possible)
• Survivors-Support may work collaboratively with Bee-lieve Survivors CIC to provide community support, placements, funded services, and wider access pathways.
• Survivors Support and Bee-lieve Survivors CIC remain separate organisations with separate governance and operational responsibilities.

9. Payments and Financial Processing

Payments are processed securely through trusted third-party providers and Banks.
We do not store full payment details on our systems.

Relevant financial information may be shared with accountants or financial partners where required for legal and administrative purposes.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

Requests can be made via:
enquiries@survivors-support.co.uk

Admin@Bee-lievesurvivors.co.uk

We will respond within one month.

11. Online Counselling

When attending online sessions:

• Please ensure you are in a private space
• Use a secure internet connection
• Your counsellor will also ensure confidentiality

While we take all reasonable precautions, no online communication is completely risk-free.

12. Cookies and Website Use

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience.
These do not personally identify you and can be managed via your browser settings.

13. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

• Counselling records: up to 7 years
• Administrative records: as required
• Website submissions: regularly deleted

Data is securely destroyed after the retention period.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes.
The latest version will always be available on our website.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or your data:

Survivors Support
Email: enquiries@survivors-support.co.uk

Email:Admin@Bee-lievesurvivors.co.uk
Website: www.survivors-support.co.uk

If you are not satisfied, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk | 0303 123 1113