Privacy policy.

Privacy Policy

At Em Hirst – Counselling ("we", "us", "our"), we are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you visit our website: www.emhirst-counselling.org.uk. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and relevant privacy laws.

1. Who We Are

Data Controller:
Em Hirst – Counselling
Address:
The Practice Rooms
7A Catherine Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2DF

Email: emhirst.counselling@gmail.com

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Your name, email address, phone number (if you contact us via forms or email)

  • Information shared in messages or enquiries

  • Technical information such as IP address, browser type, pages visited, and usage data (collected via cookies and analytics tools)

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data:

  • Directly from you when you fill in a contact form or send us an email

  • Automatically when you use the website, through cookies or similar technologies

4. Why We Collect Your Data (Purpose & Legal Basis)

We collect and process your data for the following purposes:

PurposeLegal BasisTo respond to enquiries or requestsYour consent or legitimate interestTo provide counselling servicesPerformance of a contractTo improve website performanceLegitimate interestTo comply with legal obligationsLegal requirement

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

We only share your data when necessary, and only with trusted third parties who help us deliver our services, such as:

  • Squarespace (our website platform)

  • Email service providers

  • Other service providers who help us operate securely and effectively

All third-party services are contractually bound to keep your data safe and compliant with data protection law.

6. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred outside the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) (for example, to servers in the United States), but we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)

  • Data processing agreements

7. How We Protect Your Data

We use appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal data against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access. These include:

  • Secure website hosting

  • Encryption where appropriate

  • Restricted access to personal data

8. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Typically:

  • Enquiry emails and contact form submissions: retained for up to 2 years

  • Client records (if applicable): retained in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines (e.g., BACP requirements)

You can request deletion sooner, where applicable.

9. Your Data Protection Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request deletion of your personal data

  • Object to or restrict how we process your data

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details above.

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
Website: www.ico.org.uk

10. Cookies

We use cookies on this website to improve user experience and analyse site usage. Cookies collect information such as:

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages viewed and time spent

  • Location and device information

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. 

Important: Non-essential cookies (e.g., for analytics) will only be set with your explicit consent via our cookie banner.

11. Automated Decision-Making

We do not use your personal data for any automated decision-making or profiling.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in law or our practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a new "Effective Date."

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Em Hirst – Counselling
The Practice Rooms
7A Catherine Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2DF
Email: emhirst.counselling@gmail.com