Privacy Policy

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At Standing By You, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality in all aspects of our work within adult social care. We recognise that the information shared with us is often sensitive, personal, and private, and we handle it with the utmost care and professionalism.

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1. Purpose

This statement outlines our commitment to protecting the confidentiality of all individuals, organisations, and stakeholders we work with in the course of our advocacy, consultancy, and mediation services.

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2. Confidential Information

Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:

• Personal details, case information, and records shared by clients or service users

• Information disclosed during mediation or advocacy sessions

• Data shared by local authorities, care providers, or partner organisations

• Any business, operational, or financial information shared in confidence

All information obtained in the course of our work is treated as confidential unless there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to disclose it.

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3. Data Protection

We comply fully with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data will only be collected, stored, and processed where it is necessary and lawful to do so, and will be securely managed in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

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4. Sharing Information

Confidential information will not be shared with any third party without the explicit consent of the individual concerned, except where:

• There is a risk of harm to the person or others

• There is a legal duty to disclose information (e.g., under safeguarding, criminal, or court proceedings)

• Disclosure is necessary to prevent a serious crime or protect public safety

Whenever possible, we will inform the individual concerned before any disclosure is made.

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5. Record Keeping and Security

All records are stored securely, whether electronic or paper-based, and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. We retain records only for as long as necessary in line with our retention policy and legal obligations.

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6. Staff and Associates

All staff, consultants, mediators, and volunteers working with Standing By You are required to:

• Sign a confidentiality agreement

• Complete appropriate data protection and safeguarding training

• Adhere to this confidentiality statement and related policies at all times

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7. Breaches of Confidentiality

Any suspected or actual breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously and managed in line with our internal procedures, which may include disciplinary action or reporting to relevant authorities.