Confidentiality

A confidential service in accordance with nationally accepted practice. What this means is that the content of sessions is confidential to the counselling service. In the course of professional supervision (a requirement for all counsellors), the content of sessions may be discussed, but this is done without revealing a students identity. Counsellors reserve the right to break confidentiality in some very rare cases, for example, if they believe the student may cause serious physical harm to themselves or to someone else, they are required by law or it effects someone under 16. Such a break in confidentiality would usually only be done after consultation with the student (wherever possible).

The counsellor abides by the British Association for Counselling’s Code of Ethics and Practice and also abides by the Code of Conduct and Practice of the Chartered Counselling Charity (CCC) and is subject to their disciplinary procedures. The purpose of which is to establish and maintain standards for counsellors and to inform and protect members of the public seeking and using the services. Copies of the codes are available from the guidance team.

The counselling service is part of a wider integrated Centre for Learning and Student Support (CLaSS) department.

It may be helpful at some stage, for you to see or be referred to another service. If this occurs, the counsellor may ask your consent to pass appropriate information to another staff member. What you have to say to your counsellor is treated in confidence, and your personal information is not discussed with any tutors, GPs, partners or parents. Sometimes a letter may need to be written on your behalf. This would only happen with your permission and at your request.

If a problem has the potential to affect your work, then contact can be made with the tutor concerned. Counsellors can only write letters in support of applications for extenuating circumstances if they have worked with the student concerned.