Policy on Provision of Letters and Evidence
PRIDE SPACE CIC
Purpose:
This policy outlines the circumstances under which Pride Space CIC may provide written letters, reports, or other forms of documentation (referred to as “evidence”) for clients.
1. General Principles
- Our primary role is to provide therapeutic support. The provision of documentation is not a guaranteed part of our service.
- Requests for evidence are considered on a case-by-case basis and only when they fall within the scope of our professional role and competence.
- We must ensure all documentation provided is accurate, factual, and ethically sound.
2. Types of Evidence We May Provide
We may provide letters or documentation for the following purposes:
- Confirmation of attendance or engagement with counselling
- Statements of psychological impact (within the limits of our observations)
- Support for academic accommodations (e.g., extensions, deferred assessments), where relevant
- Referral letters to other health or support services
We do not provide:
- Retrospective evidence for sessions not attended
- Formal diagnoses or medico-legal reports
- Character references for court proceedings (unless subpoenaed or explicitly required)
3. Conditions for Letter Provision
- The client must have attended a minimum number of sessions (usually 2–3), unless the evidence relates only to an initial consultation.
- The request must be discussed in session and aligned with the presenting issues.
- Letters will only include information the counsellor can personally verify or observe.
- Written consent must be obtained before releasing any letter to a third party.
4. Timeframes
- Clients must allow up to 10 working days for the preparation of any documentation.
- Urgent requests may not be accommodated unless prior agreement exists.
5. Format and Content
All letters will:
- Be written in a standard professional format
- Include only relevant factual information
- Avoid speculation or opinion beyond the counsellor’s role
- Be signed by the counsellor and/or service manager, as appropriate
6. Fees (if applicable)
- There is no fee for routine attendance letters. Letters requiring more detailed psychological summaries may incur a fee, which will be discussed in advance.
7. Right to Decline
Pride Space CIC reserves the right to decline any request for documentation that:
- Falls outside the counsellor’s competence or ethical scope
- Could be misleading or misused
- Is not clinically appropriate based on the client’s engagement
Review
This policy is reviewed annually or as required by changes in professional or legal standards.
Last updated: 29/May2025