Confidentiality
1. Stepping Stones is an independent and
confidential service. We are committed to the client's right to
confidentiality. We will contact the referrer only to acknowledge that
counselling has begun and ended. This
does not involve any exchange of personal material.
2. Clients will be made aware of the confidentiality policy
verbally and in writing at the initial interview. (Just in writing online working)
3. No information about the client provided to
the organisation will be divulged without the client’s prior permission except
under the following circumstances:
1)
Where ongoing child abuse is disclosed or children are thought to be at risk.
2)
Where the client or another person is believed to be at risk of serious harm.
3) Where required to do so by the law with
respect to terrorism, drug dealing and money laundering, or by the request of a
court of law.
In
such circumstances we will discuss the issue with the client first (if
possible) and support them to take the appropriate action. If the situation cannot be satisfactorily
resolved in this way we will inform the appropriate authorities as soon as
possible.
4. Client material will not normally be
disclosed by the counsellor to any other person within Stepping Stones, with
the exception of the Supervisor who will also normally keep the material
confidential. The exceptions include a)
any of the above issues occur and b) when there are general learning points
that can be shared in a general, anonymous way that does not harm the client’s
fundamental right to confidentiality and privacy.
5. All information will be kept in a secure place and in accordance with the
Data
Protection Act.
Confidentiality 
