Data Retention Policy
Data Retention Policy
NEW LEAF COUNSELLING & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH Pte Ltd (Company Registration No. 202411861C)
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Data Retention Policy is to establish clear guidelines for the retention and disposal of client records and personal data collected by New Leaf Counselling & Integrative Health Pte Ltd, in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and industry best practices.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all client records and personal data collected, processed, or stored by New Leaf Counselling & Integrative Health Pte Ltd, including but not limited to electronic records, paper files, and verbal communications.
3. Retention Period
Client records and personal data will be retained for 7 to 10 years following the last interaction with the client, in accordance with industry standards and best practices for counselling businesses in Singapore. This retention period allows sufficient time to provide ongoing care, respond to enquiries or complaints, and fulfil any legal or regulatory requirements.
4. Data Disposal
At the end of the retention period, client records and personal data will be securely disposed of or anonymised to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure. Disposal methods may include shredding physical documents and permanently deleting electronic records from all storage devices.
5. Exceptions
Exceptions to the standard retention period may be made in certain circumstances, such as where:
- Legal or regulatory requirements dictate a longer retention period.
- Client consent is obtained for a shorter or longer retention period.
- Data is required for ongoing litigation or disputes.
6. Data Security
Throughout the retention period, client records and personal data will be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Appropriate measures will be implemented to safeguard data integrity and confidentiality, including encryption, access controls, and regular data backups.
7. Review and Update
This Data Retention Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with changes in regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Any updates or revisions to the policy will be communicated to all relevant staff members and stakeholders.
8. Compliance
All staff members and contractors responsible for handling client records and personal data must comply with this Data Retention Policy. Failure to adhere to the policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contractual agreements.
9. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding this Data Retention Policy, please get in touch with the Data Protection Officer (dpo@newleaf.com.sg) at New Leaf Counselling & Integrative Health Pte Ltd.
