Privacy Policy
Introduction
The Focus Group (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data when you:
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Access our services, including counselling and therapy
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Use the Focus Connect platform
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Visit our website or resource hub
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Apply for a role with us
We process personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Registration number: ZA075010.
Data Controller
The Focus Group is the data controller for the personal data we collect.
For any queries, please contact:
Email: info@focuscounselling.co.uk
Address: The Counting House, 13 Nelson Street, Hull, HU1 1XE
Information We Collect
Therapy & Support Services
We may collect:
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Name and contact details
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Referral information (including who made the referral)
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Information relating to your wellbeing or mental health needs
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Notes from assessments and sessions
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Communication records
This data may include special category data (health-related information).
Focus Connect & Referrals
When using Focus Connect:
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Referral details (self or manager-led)
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Organisational affiliation
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Basic demographic/workplace information
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Outcome recommendations (non-identifying where possible)
Website & Resource Hub
When you use our website or microsite:
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Basic usage data (e.g. pages visited)
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IP address and device information
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Cookies (where applicable)
Recruitment & Job Applications
If you apply for a role:
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Name and contact details
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CV and employment history
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Qualifications and training
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References (where applicable)
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Interview notes
How We Use Your Information
We use personal data to:
Therapy & Support:
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Assess needs and provide appropriate support
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Deliver counselling or therapy services
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Ensure safe and effective care
Focus Connect:
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Triage referrals and recommend support
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Communicate with referring organisations (where appropriate)
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Manage service delivery
Website:
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Improve user experience
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Provide access to resources
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Monitor usage and performance
Recruitment:
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Assess applications
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Manage recruitment processes
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Communicate with candidates
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data under the following legal bases:
For therapy and support:
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Provision of health or social care (UK GDPR Article 9(2)(h))
For organisational services:
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Legitimate interests (supporting employee wellbeing)
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Contractual necessity
For recruitment:
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Legitimate interests (recruitment processes)
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Contractual necessity (pre-contract)
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We take confidentiality extremely seriously.
Therapy services:
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Information shared in therapeutic settings is confidential
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We will not share identifiable information without your consent, unless:
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Required by law
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There is a risk of serious harm
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Focus Connect (organisational services):
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Information shared with organisations is:
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Limited to what is necessary
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Typically anonymised or summarised
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No clinical detail is shared without appropriate justification
Data Retention
We retain data only as long as necessary:
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Therapy records: in line with professional and legal standards
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Referral information: for service delivery and reporting
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Recruitment data: retained for a limited period unless consent is given for future opportunities
Data Storage and Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect data, including:
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Secure systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, EHR systems)
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Access controls
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Encryption where appropriate
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
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Access your personal data
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Request correction of inaccurate data
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Request erasure (where applicable)
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Restrict processing
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Object to processing
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Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Recruitment Data
When applying for roles:
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Your data will only be used for recruitment purposes
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We will not share your data outside the organisation without consent
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Unsuccessful applications may be retained for a limited period for future opportunities (if agreed)
Cookies and Website Tracking
Where applicable, our website may use cookies to:
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Improve functionality
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Analyse usage trends
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The latest version will always be available on our website.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact:
Email: info@focuscounselling.co.uk
Address: The Counting House, 13 Nelson Street, Hull, HU1 1XE