Domestic abuse support services privacy notice

Information held about you

In order to provide domestic abuse support services, Herefordshire Council and commissioned service providers need to collect and hold personal information about you.

This information is used to assess your needs, provide appropriate support, manage risk, and ensure your safety and wellbeing.

The information we may collect includes:

• Basic personal details such as name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Demographic information such as age, gender, ethnicity, and household composition
• Details of your circumstances, including experiences of domestic abuse and support needs
• Information relating to your health and wellbeing, where relevant
• Records of contact we have had with you, such as referrals, assessments, support sessions, and case notes
• Information provided by other organisations involved in your care or support

Who is processing your data

All personal data is processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Herefordshire Council is the data controller for the personal information covered by this privacy notice.

We commission independent organisations to provide domestic abuse services. Where personal information is shared with these organisations, they will act as separate data controllers in respect of the personal data they process for the purposes of delivering their services. Each organisation is responsible for ensuring that personal information is processed lawfully, fairly and securely, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

How we will use the information we hold about you

We collect and use information about you to:

• Assess your needs and provide appropriate domestic abuse support services
• Manage risk and safeguard you, your children, and others where necessary
• Work with partner organisations to coordinate support and ensure your safety
• Monitor and improve the quality and effectiveness of services
• Meet our legal and statutory responsibilities

How the law allows us to use your information

The legal basis for processing your personal data is:

• The performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority
• Compliance with legal obligations, including duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and safeguarding legislation

Where special category (sensitive) data is processed, this is necessary:

• For reasons of substantial public interest, including safeguarding vulnerable individuals
• for the provision and management of health and social care services

In some circumstances, we may seek your consent to share information beyond these purposes. You can withdraw your consent at any time, however this will not affect processing already carried out, or where we are required to process information for safeguarding or legal reasons.

Who we will share your information with

We may share your information with partner organisations where it is necessary to provide support and ensure your safety. These may include:

• The police
• Health services, including GPs and NHS organisations
• Social care services
• Housing services
• Commissioned domestic abuse service providers
• Voluntary and community organisations supporting your needs

We will only share information where it is necessary and proportionate, and where there is a lawful basis to do so.

In some circumstances, we may share information without your consent where this is required:

• To safeguard you or others
• To comply with legal obligations
• To prevent serious harm or risk

How long we keep your personal information

We will only keep your information for as long as necessary to provide services and meet our legal and statutory obligations. Your information will be retained in line with Herefordshire Council’s retention schedules and relevant safeguarding guidance. All information will be stored securely and disposed of confidentially when no longer required.

Your rights

You have a number of rights under data protection law, including the right to request your information and to request that the information be amended or erased if incorrect.

To request your records, you will need to put your request in writing and provide proof of identification to the Information Governance Team, Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE or via email, informationgovernance@herefordshire.gov.uk

You also have a right to make a complaint about our handling of your personal data to the Information Commissioner’s office.

Providing accurate information

It is important that we hold accurate and up to date information about you in order to assess your needs and delivery the appropriate services. If any of your details have changed, or change in the future, please ensure that you inform us as soon as possible so that we can update your records.

Further information

If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is used, please contact contracts@herefordshire.gov.uk in the first instance. You can also contact the Data Protection Officer, at Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE, telephone (01432) 260616, email: informationgovernance@herefordshire.gov.uk

More information about data protection and how it applies to you can be found on the Information Commissioner’s office website.