Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy
In order to provide an effective service to our customers (our purpose for collecting the data), NEL Carelink collects personal information which is sensitive in nature about its customers & their family’s, staff, Trustees and Partners. We will ensure that we follow the most up to date legislation regarding Data Protection, dealing with their personal information appropriately and with safeguards in place.

More widely, we value the trust customers & their family’s, employees, Trustees and partners have in us and will aim to uphold confidentiality.

Principles
It is our policy that everyone who uses our service or works with us:

• Has the right to expect that information about them will be held in confidence.
• Knows that the information they provide will only be used for the purposes for which it was given.  Informing them of when information is shared with others and for what purpose e.g. funding bodies.
• That Carelink will obtain informed consent from the individual before passing on any personal information - meaning the individual understand why the information is being passed on.
• Understands that information about them will not be released to any person outside of Carelink without their consent or unless conditions for breaching confidentiality are met.

Carelink will adhere to the Principles of Data Protection regarding the handling personal data:

• It is accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.
• Shall not be kept for longer than is necessary.
• Shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under the Act.
• Shall be kept secure by the Carelink, with the Data Controller taking appropriate technical and other measures to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal information.
• Shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of Individuals/Service Users in relation to the processing of personal information.

Ensure our customers & their families, employees, Trustees and partners rights about whom the information is held are fully exercised under the Act, including:

• The right to be informed that processing is being undertaken.
• The right of access to one’s personal information.
• The right to prevent processing in certain circumstances.
• The right to correct, rectify, block or erase information which is regarded as wrong information.
• Treat people justly and fairly whatever their age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity when dealing with requests for information
• Set out clear procedures for responding to requests for information

Breaching confidentiality
Breaching confidentiality means telling someone information about those we hold sensitive information without consent.

We believe that confidentiality should only be breached in certain circumstances such as:

• If we are told something which leads us to believe that person or someone else may be at risk of serious harm or abuse, or assisting a serious criminal offence
• If there is a court order for disclosure.

Scope
This policy covers the following people connected with Carelink:

• Our customers and their family
• Staff and Trustees
• Volunteers
• Partners, organisations we work with

Related Policies
Principles within this policy should be considered when dealing with all other policies and procedures we undertake within Carelink.

General Guidance
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) – provides independent advice and guidance about data protection and freedom of information. Regular updates can be found on their website - https://ico.org.uk/

If you have a concern about your personal data please contact us or 01472 312312 or by email [email protected] and we will do our best to resolve it.

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