Last updated: May 2026
1. Our Commitment to Confidentiality
Signature VA recognises that information handled in the course of providing medico-legal and clinical administrative support is of a highly sensitive nature. This includes material relating to patients, litigants, criminal defendants, and civil claimants, as well as privileged communications between instructing practitioners, solicitors, and counsel.
All information received in the course of an instruction is treated as strictly confidential. Signature VA will not disclose, reproduce, or discuss any case-related information with any third party except as expressly authorised by the instructing practitioner or as required by law.
2. Our Core Confidentiality Commitments
Strict Discretion
All case materials and communications are handled with complete discretion and never discussed outside the scope of the instruction.
Secure Handling
Documents and data are stored securely using encrypted systems. Physical materials are not retained beyond the scope of the engagement.
No Unauthorised Disclosure
Case information is never shared with third parties without the express written authority of the instructing practitioner.
Legal Privilege
We are fully aware of the concept of legal professional privilege and handle all privileged communications accordingly.
3. Handling of Sensitive Clinical Information
In the course of providing services to forensic psychiatrists and consultant clinical psychologists, Signature VA may process information that constitutes special category data under UK GDPR, including information relating to physical or mental health. Such data is processed strictly in accordance with our Privacy Policy and only to the extent necessary to perform the agreed services.
Signature VA will not form any clinical or professional opinion regarding any individual whose information is processed in the course of an instruction. All clinical and professional judgements remain solely the responsibility of the instructing practitioner.
4. Medico-Legal and Court Documentation
Signature VA frequently assists with the preparation of reports and documentation intended for submission to the Crown Court, Family Court, Civil Courts, Mental Health Tribunals, and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies. All such materials are treated as confidential and subject to legal professional privilege where applicable.
Signature VA does not retain, copy, or reproduce final court documents beyond what is necessary for record-keeping and quality assurance purposes, and all such retained copies are stored securely.
5. Neuropsychological and Psychological Test Materials
Where Signature VA provides administrative support in connection with neuropsychological or cognitive testing, including documentation associated with acquired brain injury assessments, all test materials, raw data, protocols, and results are handled with the utmost discretion. Such materials are not disclosed to any party other than the instructing psychologist or as directed in writing by them.
6. Confidentiality Obligations of Personnel
All work undertaken by Signature VA is subject to strict confidentiality obligations. In the event that any work is delegated or subcontracted, which will only occur with the Client's prior written consent, all relevant personnel will be bound by equivalent confidentiality obligations.
7. Breach of Confidentiality
In the unlikely event of a suspected or actual breach of confidentiality, Signature VA will notify the affected client promptly and take immediate steps to mitigate any harm. Where the breach involves personal data, we will comply with our obligations under UK GDPR, including notification to the Information Commissioner's Office where required.
8. Contact
Any concerns or queries regarding confidentiality should be directed to lara@signatureva.co.uk. All such communications will be treated in strict confidence.