Privacy policy

 

1. Introduction

“Friends & Families” takes privacy and confidentiality very seriously. We aim to provide a high standard of service and give an assurance to people who use our services that information will be treated in a confidential manner.

Staff & volunteers can also expect the same standard of confidentiality.

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and this Privacy Policy should be used in conjunction with our GDPR Policy & Procedures, which covers all aspects of storage of personal data and its disclosure to others.

2. Statement of Intent

We will:

  • Only ask for information we require to provide you with the support offered.

  • Treat your information in confidence.

  • Talk to you in a suitable place where you cannot be overheard.

  • We will not help you pass on false information to another person or organisation.

  • If we must share your information with another person or organisation, we will make every effort to gain your consent in the first instance, as highlighted within our safeguarding policy, and our GDPR policy.

  • Review our working practices on a regular basis.

You will:

  • Be treated with full respect to privacy in all your dealings with us.

  • Be able to see your records until they are destroyed in accordance with the practices of the individual project, which holds them in compliance with the GDPR.

3. Responsibilities

  • The Board of Trustees retains overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy.

  • The Quality Assurance subgroup is responsible for reviewing and updating this policy.

  • The CEO is accountable to the Board and is responsible for implementing this policy within the workplace.

  • All members of the workforce (paid, voluntary or on work placement) are required to adhere to this policy.

4. A Confidential Service

When we need to obtain information from you, we will do so in a private room or a private space.

When you first contact us, we may ask you to provide personal details or provide sensitive information. This is to assist you. How much a member of staff or volunteer needs to know about you will depend on the nature of your request for assistance.

Our GDPR Policy covers how this information is held and our Safeguarding Policy outlines the very specific circumstances when we may have to share this information with another person or organisation without your consent.

5. Sharing Information Within Friends & Families

Staff and volunteers will only share information on a need-to-know basis.