Privacy Policy

Click here to read our Privacy Notice, Mar 23

About This Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how North East Lincs Women’s Aid collects, uses, stores and protects your

personal data.

We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and handling your data in accordance with the UK General

Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Your Safety and Confidentiality

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety is our priority. Please be aware that someone may be

monitoring your phone or internet activity.

If you are concerned about this, you may want to:

• Use a safe device that the person causing harm cannot access

• Clear your browsing history

• Use private or incognito browsing

We treat all information shared with us with the utmost care. However, there are circumstances where we

may need to share information to protect you or others from harm (see ‘How We Share Information’).

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

The Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Name, contact details (phone number, email, address)

• Date of birth

• Gender and demographic information

Sensitive (Special Category) Information

As a domestic abuse service, we may collect sensitive information, including:

• Details about experiences of domestic abuse

• Health and wellbeing information

• Risk assessments and support needs

• Information about children and family members

Other Information

• Referral information from partner agencies

• Communication records (emails, calls, notes)

• Website usage data (via cookies)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide support and services tailored to your needs

• Carry out risk assessments and safety planning

• Communicate with you and partner agencies (when appropriate) about support and services

• Improve our services

We will only use your information where we have a lawful basis to do so.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases:

• Consent – when you have given clear permission

• Vital interests – where it is necessary to protect life or safety

• Legal obligation – where we are required by law

• Legitimate interests – to provide and improve our services

For sensitive data, we rely on additional conditions such as safeguarding and provision of support services.

How We Share Information

We always aim to keep your information confidential. However, we may share your information when:

• There is a risk of serious harm to you or others

• Safeguarding concerns arise (including concerns about children or vulnerable adults)

• We are required to do so by law (e.g. court orders)

• It is necessary to support you effectively (e.g. referrals to other services)

We may share information with:

• Police

• Social care

• Health professionals

• MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

• Other support organisations

We will only share the minimum information and wherever possible, we will discuss this with you first.

How We Store and Protect Your Data

We use secure systems and procedures to protect your data, including:

• Secure electronic databases

• Restricted access to sensitive information

• Staff training on confidentiality and data protection

We take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access, loss or misuse of your data.

We are Cyber Essentials certified, demonstrating our commitment to protecting systems and data against

common cyber threats.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We will only retain your information for as long as necessary.

Retention periods are based on legal requirements and organisational policy. For example:

• Service user records are kept in line with safeguarding and legal guidelines

• Mailing list data is kept until you withdraw consent

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction of inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

• Restrict or object to processing

• Withdraw consent at any time

Please note: In some cases, these rights may be limited where safeguarding or legal obligations apply.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, please contact us so we can resolve your concern.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party providers (such as IT systems, email services, case management systems)

to help deliver our services. These providers are required to comply with data protection laws and keep

your information secure.

Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those

sites and encourage you to read their policies.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making our services accessible, inclusive and safe for all individuals. If you need this

policy in a different format, please contact us.

Related Policies

• Cookie Policy

• Data Protection Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Confidentiality Policy