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Sharing information about your disability

Learn how the University handles information about your disability, who can access it, and how your Study Needs Agreement (SNA) is used to support your studies.

On this page:

Where can I find my Study Needs Agreement (SNA)?

You can view a copy of your Study Needs Agreement (SNA) through Symplicity.

Confidentiality and data protection 

Student Wellbeing includes the:

  • Counselling Service
  • Disability Service
  • Mental Health Service
  • Health Service

All Student Wellbeing staff follow strict confidentiality procedures and handle information in line with:

Counsellors also work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

How is my information shared?

To provide the right support, Student Wellbeing may sometimes consult other colleagues within the service. This helps ensure a coordinated approach to your wellbeing and support.

Notes from counselling sessions are only shared within Student Wellbeing on a need-to-know basis and, wherever possible, this will be discussed with you first.

We do not usually share your information with University staff outside Student Wellbeing or with external organisations without your permission.

When might information be shared without my permission?

In rare circumstances, information may need to be shared without your permission if:

  • There is a serious risk to your safety or the safety of others.
  • The University is legally required to disclose information.

Where possible, we will discuss this with you before taking any action.

If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, other members of the University may be involved to help manage the situation. In these cases, only the information necessary to support the situation will be shared.

Professional supervision

Student Wellbeing staff may discuss their work with a professional supervisor to ensure they provide effective support.

Any information shared during supervision is treated as strictly confidential, and your personal identifiable information is not shared

How is my information stored?

Student Wellbeing records are stored securely on University servers in line with:

  • GDPR
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Data Protection (UPR IM08)
  • Information Security (UPR IM02)

Student Wellbeing also collects anonymous statistical information. This data may be used for reporting and planning purposes within the University and shared with organisations such as:

  • Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
  • Office for Students (OfS)

This information is anonymous and cannot be used to identify you.

If you have any questions about confidentiality, you can discuss them with Student Wellbeing before or during an appointment.

If you wish to withdraw your consent for Student Wellbeing to use your information as described above, email studentwellbeing@herts.ac.uk.

What is a Study Needs Agreement (SNA)

A Study Needs Agreement (SNA) is created with a Disability Adviser to identify the support and reasonable adjustments you may need during your studies.

Adjustments are based on your disability and supporting evidence. Examples may include:

  • Permission to record lectures
  • Additional time to complete tasks
  • Other disability-related study adjustments

The support included in your SNA will be tailored to your individual needs.

Get support

To arrange support or discuss a Study Needs Agreement, self-refer through the Student Wellbeing Disability Service.

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Student Wellbeing

Today 8.30 - 17:00
Hutton Hub, College Lane
Student Wellbeing is closed at weekends and during holiday periods.