Frequently asked questions

Therapists and trainees may record sessions to support:

Training, clinical supervision, professional development, and accreditation purposes, ensuring high-quality care.

• LMWS uses NHS Microsoft Teams secure platform system to store recorded therapy sessions. Microsoft Teams folders within the NHS mail environment are secured through a multi-layered approach that integrates Microsoft 365 security features with NHS information governance policies.
• Files stored in Teams channels are automatically secured in the background via SharePoint Online, ensuring data is protected at rest and in transit.
• Therapists follow a strict and confidential process to ensure any recordings made are stored securely in line with Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service policy and procedure.
• Only authorised staff involved in your care or training can access them.

• Recordings are kept for up to three years in line with LMWS policy.
• After this period, they are securely deleted.

• Your therapist, their clinical supervisor, and approved staff in CBT specific training may view the recording.
• Recordings are only viewed in confidential, secure settings.

• You can decide whether or not your session is recorded.
• Saying no will not affect your care.
• You may set limits on how your recording is used. You may stop recording at any time.
• You may request a copy of your recording through a Subject Access Request (SAR).
• You can ask for the recording to be deleted at any time during the three-year retention period.

• Recordings are never shared outside authorised NHS or training staff. Leeds Mental Wellbeing staff follow strict governance policies and their accrediting body British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics
• Recordings will not be downloaded to personal or trust devices and are only moved within the secure MS Teams environment as per LMWS standardised operating policy process.

Please speak with your therapist if you would like more information before deciding whether to give consent.