Child-Friendly Privacy Notice

Are you a young carer or young adult carer? Read our simpler guide to how we use your information.

What is this about?

When you receive support from Warwickshire Young Carers, you tell us things about yourself and your family. This notice explains what information we keep, why we need it, who we may share it with, and the choices and rights you have.

Personal information means information that identifies you or is about you. This can include your name, birthday, school, health, caring role and the support you receive.

Who looks after your information?

Warwickshire Young Carers looks after the information we hold about you. This means we are responsible for using it fairly, safely and lawfully.

You can contact our Data Protection Lead at info@warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk, call 01926 963940, or write to Holly Grange, Holly Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7EB.

What information might we keep?

your name, age, date of birth and contact details;
details about your parent, carer, family and emergency contacts;
information about your caring role and how it affects you;
your school, college, training or work;
health, disability, allergies, dietary needs and accessibility information;
how you are feeling and the support you may need;
notes from meetings, assessments, support plans and reviews;
groups, trips and activities you attend;
feedback you give us; and
safeguarding concerns or information needed to keep somebody safe.

Why do we need it?

to understand your caring role and what support may help;
to provide safe groups, activities, advice and one-to-one support;
to contact you and, where appropriate, your parent or guardian;
to work with schools, health services, the council and other organisations supporting you;
to keep you and other people safe;
to check whether our support is helping; and
to meet legal, safeguarding, funding and charity requirements.

Do I have to tell you everything?

You can ask why we need a piece of information. Some information is optional. Other information may be needed so we can offer support safely. For example, we may need to know about a serious allergy before you attend a trip.

Will you ask my permission?

We will explain what we are doing with your information. Sometimes we will ask for your permission, for example before using some photographs or stories. However, permission is not the only legal reason for using information. We may need to keep or share information to provide support, follow the law or protect someone from harm.

Who might you share it with?

We only share information when there is a proper reason. Depending on the situation, this might include:
your parent or guardian, where appropriate;
your school, college or another education provider;
health, social care or council services;
another organisation helping you or your family;
activity, transport or venue providers who need limited information to keep you safe;
the police or safeguarding services where somebody may be at risk; and
our funders or commissioners, usually using anonymous totals rather than your name.

What happens if somebody is unsafe?

Most of the time, we will talk to you before sharing your information. If we think you or somebody else may be in danger, abused, neglected or seriously harmed, we may need to share relevant information without permission. We will only share what is needed and will consider your safety and best interests.

How long do you keep it?

We do not keep information forever without a reason. How long we keep it depends on the type of record, your age, the support provided, safeguarding needs and legal requirements. Some safeguarding and service records may need to be kept for several years after support ends.

What are my rights?

ask what information we have about you and receive a copy;
ask us to correct information that is wrong;
ask us to delete or limit the use of information in some situations;
object to certain uses of your information;
withdraw permission where we are relying on your consent; and
complain if you think we have used your information unfairly.

Children and young people have their own privacy rights. A parent does not automatically have the right to see everything we hold about you. We will consider your age, understanding, wishes, safety and the law.

Photos, videos and stories

We may ask whether we can take or use a photograph, video or story about your experience. Saying no will not stop you receiving support. We will explain where it may appear and whether your name will be used.

What if I am unhappy?

Tell a member of staff or contact our Data Protection Lead at info@warwickshireyoungcarers.org.uk or 01926 963940. You can also write to Holly Grange, Holly Lane, Balsall Common, CV7 7EB. We will acknowledge a data protection complaint within 30 days, investigate it and tell you the outcome without undue delay.

You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which is the UK's data protection regulator. A trusted adult can help you make a request or complaint.

A quick promise from us

We will be honest about how we use your information, only use what we need, keep it as safe as we reasonably can, and listen when you ask questions.