top of page

Privacy Policy

​​​

Welcome to Support Networks, a project delivered by Windmill Torbay ("we", "our", or "us").

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you:

​

  • Use our website

  • Contact us for support

  • Are referred to our service

  • Engage with us to find or become a Personal Assistant (PA)

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in a transparent and secure way

​

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information in the following ways:

​

a. Contact Form

When you contact us via our website or email, we may collect:

  • Your full name

  • Email address

  • Phone number (optional)

  • Details of your enquiry

​

b. Referral & Support Information

If you are referred to Support Networks or engage with our service, we may collect:

  • Full name and contact details

  • Date of birth

  • Information about your support needs and preferences

  • Details relating to your Direct Payment

  • Information about your goals and outcomes

  • Communication preferences 

​

c. Recruitment & Matching (Personal Assistants and Individuals)

If you are:

  • Looking for a Personal Assistant, or

  • Registering as a Personal Assistant

​

We may collect:

  • Employment or work preferences

  • Experience, skills, and training

  • Availability

  • References (where applicable)

  • Right to work confirmation

  • DBS status (where relevant)

​

d. Special Category Data

Some information we collect may be considered sensitive (special category data), including:

  • Health conditions

  • Disability or accewss needs

  • Support requirements

This data is only collected where necessary and is handled with additional safeguards in line with UK GDPR

​​

​

2. Lawful Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – When you provide information directly to us

  • Legitimate interest – To provide support and respond to enquiries 

  • Legal obligation – For safeguarding or compliance requirements

  • Explicit consent – For processing sensitive (special category) data

  • ​

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide guidance

  • Support you to understand and manage Direct Payments

  • Assist with recruitment and matching of Personal Assistants

  • Help you prepare job adverts and recruitment processes

  • Facilitate communication between individuals and potential PAs

  • Maintain appropriate records for safeguarding and service delivery

  • Improve and develop our services

We do not sell your data or use it for marketing purposes without your consent.

​

4. Who Has Access to Your Data

Your data is only accessed by authorised individuals involved in delivering the Support Networks service, including:

  • Support Networks staff

  • Project coordinators

  • Safeguarding leads, where necessary

We may also support you to use external platforms such as UKCIL for advertising roles. Where this happens:

  • You remain in control of your account

  • We will only support access with your knowledge and consent

We do not share your personal data with third parties unless:

  • You have given explicit consent

  • It is required for safeguarding

  • It is required by law

 

5. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your data only for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide support and deliver the service

  • Meet safeguarding and legal obligations

  • Maintain accurate records

After this, your data will be securely deleted or anonymised in line with our data retention policy.

 

6. Data Security

We take data security seriously. Information collected through:

  • Website forms (Wix)

  • Email communication

  • Secure system

is stored securely with:

  • Restricted access

  • Password protection

  • Encryption where appropriate

We take all reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access, misuse, or disclosure.

 

7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK data protection laws, you have the following rights:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Correct inaccurate or incomoplete data

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Restrict processing in certain circumstances

  • Object to how your data is used

  • Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)

  • Request data transfer to another provider

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

📧 manager@windmilltorbay.org.uk

 

8. Safeguarding

As a service working with individuals who may be vulnerable, we may share information without consent where necessary to protect someone from harm, in line with safeguarding laws and guidance

​

​

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page, and the effective date will be updated.

 

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us at:

📧 manager@windmilltorbay.org.uk
🌐 01803 314876

bottom of page