Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions


Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

All personal information will be kept securely and used only for the purpose for which it was given.

We adhere to current data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) (the GDPR).

CCTV / Door Camera
We operate a door camera system at the entrance of our premises for the purposes of safety, security, and access control.

What is recorded
The system captures video footage of individuals approaching and entering the premises. Audio is not routinely recorded.

Lawful basis
We process this data under Article 6(1)(f) of the UK GDPR – legitimate interests. Our legitimate interest is to ensure the safety and security of our clients, staff, and premises.

How the footage is used
Footage is used solely for security purposes, including:
  • Monitoring access to the building
  • Assisting in the prevention and detection of crime
  • Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors. 
It is not used for any other purpose.

Who has access
Access to recorded footage is strictly limited to authorised employees of Effective Psychology. Footage will only be reviewed where necessary.

Data sharing
Footage may be shared with law enforcement or relevant authorities where required for the investigation of a crime or legal obligation.

Retention period
Recordings are securely stored and automatically deleted after 8 days, unless required for an ongoing investigation.

Data security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect CCTV data and prevent unauthorised access.

Your rights
Individuals have the right to request access to their personal data captured by the system, subject to the rights of others. Requests should be made in writing to hester@effectivepsychology.co.uk

This email can be used to ask any questions at all about this privacy policy.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office: registration reference ZA164994. 

Our lawful basis for holding personal data is that it is necessary for the purpose of psychotherapy. 

We will collect the following personal information:

Name
Address
Telephone number
Email
Date of birth
GP 
Emergency contact

Personal details and any session notes are kept on a secure database or in a locked office. 

Our mobile phones are PIN protected, and our e-mail addresses password protected.

Personal details are not shared with any third party.

Records are kept for seven years after the end of counselling sessions and are then destroyed. 

Clients have a right to ask for personal information to be deleted, to limit how it is used or for it to no longer be processed. Clients can also ask for a copy of any information being held about them by emailing hester@effectivespsychology.com

For more information about the rights of data subjects please see ico.org.uk/your-data-matters.

Complaints about the handling of personal data can be addressed to the above email address in the first instance and any formal complaints to the ICO at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.

Terms and Conditions

Dr Hester Bancroft is a Chartered Psychologist, has a first-class degree in Psychology, holds a doctorate in Counselling Psychology, is a is a Master Practitioner of NLP, a fully qualified EMDR practitioner and chartered member of the BPS (British Psychological Society). Hester abides by the BPS code of ethics and the code of ethics of the Metanoia Institute (with whom she trained). She also holds HCPC (Heath and Care Professional Council) registration. 

Laura Hembury and Hillary Coster are both Assistant Psychologists who work directly under Hester Bancroft’s supervision. They are both Graduate Members of the BPS and, as such, abide by the BPS code of ethics. Kelly Matthews is a registered BACP counsellor and, as such, abides by the BACP code of ethics. Zoe Beatt is a certified coach and abides by the
National Board for Health and Wellness code of ethics.

Every member of the team has an enhanced DRB (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and relevant safeguarding training.

If a client is experiencing severe depression and/or suicidal thoughts the team is happy to support them in the best way we can, however, we will do so only if they are under the supervision of their GP alongside the intervention. The team have consistently good results for our clients around the issues they face. However, as with any therapist, the outcome or result cannot be guaranteed. We are aware that no one therapist can be best for every client. If for any reason a client feels that the treatment is not working, it is important the client knows she or he can always consult another professional or change therapists.

When working with children

We are not medical practitioners and, as such, does not prescribe medication or make diagnoses. However, when working with children, we may make recommendations to parents to consult with additional professional(s) should we believe a particular child is displaying signs of a psychological condition such as ASD, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or appears to have processing difficulties.

Where it is considered helpful and is agreed by the parents, we are able to provide reports to schools and local authorities sharing our thoughts in relation to a particular client’s social and emotional needs within the academic setting, and to support applications for a Statement of Special Education Needs. Please note that there is a charge for this service.

We will endeavour to provide appointments on a mutually agreeable date and time. It is however the client's responsibility to ensure they have booked the appointment in advance. Please note that after school appointments get booked up very quickly.

Where parents are separated, we prefer permission from both parents for their child to attend therapeutic sessions, but it is not required by law. If a child is deemed to be Gillick competent they are deemed to have enough understanding and maturity to make decisions about their own healthcare including psychological therapy without parental knowledge. 

These sessions are confidential. It is important for a child to feel (as adults do) that what is discussed in their sessions are between their therapist and themselves. Where it is helpful, the therapist will give an overview of what is being covered but will not disclose the content of the sessions to parents. Children can, of course, share whatever they wish to with their parents.

For all clients

Clients will be required to pay at the end of each session by cash, debit card or cheque. We request 24 hours’ notice to cancel any appointments. We will endeavour to fill a cancelled appointment but reserve the right to charge the full session fee for short notice cancellations if we are unable to re-book them. Please note that this also applies to clients whose appointments are normally covered by their health insurance companies as these companies do not pay for cancelled sessions. When this happens, the client will be expected to pay the full fee of the session if cancelled in less that 24 hours.

Confidentiality is assured unless disclosure is required by law or in the circumstance of significant risk to self or other.