Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for Pardoe Psychology
Last updated: 03.01.25
1. Introduction
Pardoe Psychology is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency, respect, and in accordance with applicable data protection laws. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal data when providing:
• Psychological therapy
• Psychological assessments
• Supervision
We recognise the sensitive nature of psychological information and take all reasonable steps to safeguard it.
2. Data Controller
The Data Controller responsible for your personal information is:
Pardoe Psychology
3. What Information We Collect
We collect and process the following categories of information:
3.1 Personal Identification Data
• Name, date of birth, address, contact details
• Emergency contact information
3.2 Clinical Information
• Referral information
• Case history and presenting concerns
• Session notes
• Psychological test data
• Risk information (e.g., self-harm, violence, vulnerability)
3.3 Forensic Information (for forensic assessments)
• Offence history
• Police, court, probation, or prison records
• Risk assessments (e.g., violence, sexual offending, general recidivism)
• Multi-agency information relevant to public protection
3.4 Administrative Information
• Invoices, payment records
• Appointment scheduling data
3.5 Website or Digital Data (if applicable)
• Cookies, analytics, IP address
• Online enquiry forms
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information through:
• Direct communication (email, phone, online forms, in-session)
• Referral sources (solicitors, probation, employers)
• Third-party agencies (with your consent or where legally required)
• Psychological testing platforms
• Records relevant to forensic assessment
5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data under the following lawful bases:
5.1 Consent
For therapy and non-mandated assessments, we obtain explicit consent.
5.2 Contract
To deliver psychological services you have requested.
5.3 Legal Obligation
For example:
• Court-ordered assessments
• Statutory safeguarding duties
• Compliance with professional regulations
5.4 Vital Interests
Where there is immediate risk of serious harm.
5.5 Legitimate Interests
For service administration, quality assurance, and professional supervision.
6. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
• Provide psychological therapy
• Conduct psychological and forensic risk assessments
• Produce reports for courts, solicitors, probation, or other agencies
• Monitor risk and safeguarding concerns
• Communicate with you about appointments
• Maintain accurate clinical records
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
7. Sharing Your Information
We only share information when necessary and lawful.
7.1 With Your Consent
• GP or healthcare providers
• Solicitors
• Employers or occupational health
• Other professionals involved in your care
7.2 Without Your Consent (where legally required)
• If there is a risk of serious harm to you or others
• If required by a court order
• If required by law enforcement
• If necessary for safeguarding children or vulnerable adults
• If required by statutory agencies (e.g., MAPPA, probation)
We will always aim to discuss this with you unless doing so increases risk.
8. Forensic Risk Assessments
Forensic assessments often involve:
• Multi-agency information sharing
• Disclosure of offence-related material
• Structured professional judgement tools
• Reports that may be used in legal or statutory contexts
Clients are informed that:
• Full confidentiality cannot be guaranteed
• Reports may be disclosed to courts, probation, police, or legal representatives
• Information relevant to public protection must be shared
9. How We Store Your Information
We store information securely using:
• Encrypted digital systems
• Password-protected devices
• Secure cloud storage compliant with data protection standards
• Locked filing systems (if paper records are used)
We retain records for the period required by professional guidelines (HCPC) and legal requirements.
10. Your Rights
You have the right to:
• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion (where legally permissible)
• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent (where consent is the legal basis)
• Request data portability
Some rights may be limited in forensic or legal contexts.
11. Confidentiality in Therapy
Therapy sessions are confidential except where:
• There is a risk of serious harm
• There are safeguarding concerns
• Information is required by law
• You consent to information sharing
We will explain these limits clearly at the outset.
12. Confidentiality in Forensic Assessments
Forensic assessments have different confidentiality boundaries. Clients are informed that:
• Information may be disclosed to legal or statutory bodies
• Reports may be shared with courts, probation, police, or solicitors
• The assessor has a duty to report significant risk information
13. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you can contact:
Pardoe Psychology
You also have the right to complain to the ICO, a data protection authority in the UK, or the HCPC for practice concerns.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The most recent version will always be available on request or on our website.