Privacy Policy

Last updated: 16 March 2026

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Abby Parkes ADHD Coaching & Support ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our ADHD coaching services.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner. This policy should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Registration number: ZC104496.

Information we collect

Personal details:

  • Names (yours and, for under 18s, parent/guardian names)
  • Email addresses and phone numbers
  • Age/date of birth (to verify eligibility)
  • Emergency contact details

Coaching-related information:

  • ADHD diagnosis details
  • Information about medications or other treatments
  • Session notes and progress records
  • Goals and strategies discussed
  • Information about education, work, or family circumstances relevant to coaching
  • Communications between us (emails, messages)

Sensitive information:

We process sensitive personal data including health information (ADHD diagnosis, mental health, medication) and, where relevant, information about children and young people. We only collect this information because it's necessary to provide coaching services effectively and safely.

How we use your information

We process your personal information to:

  • Deliver coaching sessions and related support
  • Maintain session notes and track progress
  • Communicate with you about appointments and coaching matters
  • Send invoices and process payments
  • Respond to your enquiries
  • Comply with legal obligations, including safeguarding duties
  • Maintain professional records as required by our professional standards

For young people under 18:

  • Share appropriate progress information with parents/guardians as outlined in our Terms and Conditions
  • Make safeguarding referrals where required by law

Legal basis for processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal information based on:

  • Consent: You (or your parent/guardian) have given clear permission for us to process your personal information for coaching purposes
  • Contract: Processing is necessary to deliver the coaching services you've requested
  • Legal obligation: We must process certain information to comply with safeguarding law and professional record-keeping requirements
  • Vital interests: In rare cases, to protect someone's safety

Who we share information with

We keep your information confidential except where:

We are required by law to share:

  • Local safeguarding teams, police, or social services if there are safeguarding concerns
  • Courts or legal authorities if required by law

We may share for business purposes:

  • Payment processors (for handling fees)
  • Our professional supervisor (with identifiable details removed where possible)
  • Accountants or bookkeepers (for invoicing records only)
  • Our professional indemnity insurer (if a claim arises)

We never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
  • Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your information (subject to professional record-keeping requirements)
  • Restriction: Request we limit how we use your information
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
  • Data portability: Receive your information in a portable format
  • Withdraw consent: Withdraw your consent at any time (though this won't affect processing already carried out)

For young people aged 13-17: You can exercise these rights yourself. Parents/guardians also retain access rights where relevant to their parental responsibility.

For children under 13: Parents/guardians exercise these rights on your behalf.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at abbyparkes@gmail.com.

How we protect your information

We take security seriously and use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Password-protected digital files
  • Encrypted storage for electronic records
  • Secure, locked storage for any paper records
  • Access limited to authorised personnel only

However, no internet transmission is completely secure. While we do our best to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

How long we keep information

We retain personal information for 7 years after our coaching relationship ends. This retention period is required by professional standards and allows us to:

  • Respond to any queries or complaints
  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations
  • Maintain adequate records for insurance purposes

After 7 years, we securely delete or destroy all personal information unless we're legally required to keep it longer.

Children's information

We provide coaching to young people of all ages with appropriate parental consent. We process children's information only where:

  • A parent/guardian has provided clear consent
  • It's necessary to deliver coaching safely and effectively
  • We have safeguarding obligations

We maintain age-appropriate confidentiality as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

Your right to complain

If you're unhappy with how we've handled your personal information, please contact us first at abbyparkes@gmail.com so we can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

  • Website: ico.org.uk
  • Helpline: 0303 123 1113
  • Address: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We'll notify you of any significant changes by email or through our website. The "Last updated" date at the top shows when changes were last made.

Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information:

Abby Parkes ADHD Coaching & Support

Email: abbyparkes@gmail.com

By using our services, you acknowledge that you've read and understood this Privacy Policy.

For clients under 18: Parents/guardians should review this policy and discuss confidentiality arrangements with both the young person and coach before coaching begins.