Policies

Anti-Discriminatory, Equality & Diversity Statement 

By having regard for this statement in my work, I aim to reduce discrimination and positively benefit those with protected characteristics. 

All clients of Hawk Green Wellbeing are treated with equal consideration; where possible, reasonable adjustments are made to facilitate the therapeutic process, and all sessions are tailored to my client’s needs. 

Access to counselling, psychotherapy or mindfulness services through Hawk Green Wellbeing are available regardless of a client’s age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion & belief, sex, and sexual orientation. 

The only exceptions in terms of Hawk Green Wellbeing are as follows:

• I do not speak any languages other than English
• I work from three seperate premises, two of which are not accessible to those who are unable to climb steps / stairs 

Although I know my client is the expert in their life and experiences, I will not rely on them to teach me specifics about any protected characteristics they identify as experiencing.  If I feel there are any characteristics that require a deeper understanding, I will endeavour to educate myself through reading appropriate articles and books, research on the internet and discussions with those I know who share the characteristic. 

I respect and value sexual diversity and I will not engage in any psychological therapy that attempts to change a client’s sexual orientation.  I will support clients to explore their understanding of themselves and their lived experience. 

I am committed to encouraging and supporting the diverse initiatives of my clients.  

I recognise the varying needs of different ethnic, gender and minority groups and makes every effort to ensure that I am informed with agencies focusing on such interests. 

I have an awareness of the Equality Act 2010 and the Protected Characteristics of: 

• age 
• disability
• gender reassignment 
• marriage & civil partnership 
• pregnancy & maternity 
• race 
• religion or belief 
• sex 
• sexual orientation 

Health & Safety Policy 

I have a responsibility regarding my Health and Safety and that of clients. 

Overall responsibility for the premises falls to me, as do the day-to-day responsibilities of ensuring policy is put into practice, maintained and improved. 

Risk assessments will consist of visual checks, there will be no written record. In an emergency, evacuation is through the front door. 

Privacy & Data Protection Policy 

I am registered as the Data Controller for my business with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). 

Throughout this notice, “process” means collect, store, transfer, use or otherwise act on information you have shared with me. 

I will not share your information with a third party without your express permission, apart from situations involving the safety of yourself or others, including unlawful acts and safeguarding concerns. 

Only information required by my membership organisation British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and my insurer Holistic Insurance for the purpose of safe practice will be collected. 

It is a requirement of the BACP & Holistic Insurance that all information be retained for 7 years from the end of our work together.  All information will be stored electronically on an encrypted USB stick, which is kept in a locked drawer.  I hold one USB of this type per year and wipe all data on the 1st of January seven years after the date the USB was sealed. 

You have the right to see any information I have stored on you.  If you require printed copies of information, I charge 5p per side of A4 plus £3.70 to cover the cost of printing and registered postage.  We will agree an appropriate time frame for this to be completed. 

You have the right to withdraw consent to data processing at any time.  The right to be forgotten can only be enacted for those who have not signed a contract for counselling or hypnotherapy services with me. 

You have the right to make a complaint about my practice to BACP or Holistic. 

The collection of personal data forms part of my contractual requirements.  If you choose not to share the personal data requested, we will not be able to enter a contract for counselling, psychotherapy or mindfulness services and you will need to seek an alternative professional. 

I do not use automated decision-making systems.