Privacy policy

Who we are

Embrace Therapeutic Fostering Services Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No: 13362525). We're an Ofsted-registered independent fostering agency (URN: 2661954). Our registered office is Mayflower Cottage, Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3BQ.

For privacy matters, contact the Registered Manager, Jeanette Robertson, at enquiries@embracefostering.com.

What information we collect

When you contact us through our website or by phone, we may collect:

• Your name, email address and phone number
• Your postal address (if relevant to your enquiry)
• Information about your household and circumstances
• Your reason for contacting us
• Any other information you choose to share

If you proceed to formal assessment as a foster carer, we'll collect significantly more personal data including DBS checks, medical reports, references, and information about your background and family. This is governed by the Care Standards Act 2000, the Fostering Service Regulations 2011, and your specific consent.

How we use your information

We use the information you give us to:

• Respond to your enquiry
• Assess your suitability as a foster carer (if you progress that far)
• Provide ongoing supervision and support as an approved carer
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements (Ofsted, local authorities)
• Improve our service

Lawful basis for processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under UK GDPR:

• Consent for marketing communications and initial enquiry follow-up
• Contract for ongoing relationships with approved carers
• Legal obligation for safeguarding, regulatory and statutory requirements
• Legitimate interests for the safe operation of our fostering service

How we share your information

We will only share your personal information with third parties where necessary:

• Ofsted and other regulators
• Local authorities placing children with us
• DBS for background checks
• Your GP and other healthcare professionals
• Foster Talk and other support providers (with your consent)
• Legal or financial advisors when required
• Law enforcement when required by law

We do not sell your data. We do not use it for advertising or share it with marketing companies.

How long we keep your information

Different types of information are retained for different periods:

• Enquiry data, kept for up to 2 years if you don't proceed
• Carer records, kept for at least 75 years from the date of approval, as the regulations require
• Children's records, kept for at least 75 years from the child's 18th birthday
• Financial records, kept for 7 years after the end of the financial year

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Ask us to correct inaccurate information
• Ask us to delete information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Object to how we use your information
• Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the basis)
• Complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk

To exercise any of these rights, email us at enquiries@embracefostering.com.

Cookies

Our website uses strictly necessary cookies to function and may use analytics cookies (with your consent) to help us understand how the site is used. You can manage your cookie preferences via the cookie banner when you first visit.

Security

We hold personal data securely with appropriate technical and organisational measures including encryption, access controls and regular security reviews. We're registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on this page with the date last updated.