Privacy Notice

About Us/Privacy Notice

    Effective Date: March 2026
    Contact Email: contact@glimmerofhopecare.co.uk

    At Glimmer of Hope Care Services, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information and your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

    1. Who We Are

    Glimmer of Hope Care Services is a provider of home care, supported living, overnight care, hospital discharge support, and companionship services. We are the data controller for your personal information, meaning we decide how and why your information is processed.

    1. Information We Collect

    We may collect the following types of personal data:

    • Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email.
    • Health and Care Information: Medical history, care needs, medication, risk assessments, and care plans.
    • Financial Information: Billing and payment details (if relevant).
    • Employment Information: For staff applications, we collect employment history, qualifications, DBS checks, and references.
    • Other Relevant Information: Any information you provide in referrals, feedback, or complaints.
    1. How We Use Your Information

    Your information is used for:

    • Providing safe and personalised care and support.
    • Planning, delivering, and monitoring services.
    • Managing staff and operational processes.
    • Communicating with you regarding your care, enquiries, or application.
    • Responding to complaints, safeguarding concerns, or regulatory requirements.
    • Legal or regulatory compliance, including CQC inspections.

    We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

    1. Legal Basis for Processing

    We process personal data based on one or more of the following legal bases:

    • Consent: Where you have given consent for specific purposes.
    • Contractual Necessity: To deliver care or services you have requested.
    • Legal Obligation: To comply with laws and regulatory requirements (e.g., CQC, safeguarding).
    • Legitimate Interests: To ensure service quality, manage staff, and improve care delivery.
    1. How We Protect Your Information

    We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data:

    • Secure storage of paper and electronic records.
    • Access controls to restrict information to authorised staff only.
    • Password protection for systems and devices.
    • Staff training on data protection and confidentiality.
    1. Who We Share Your Information With

    Your information may be shared only when necessary and relevant, including:

    • Health and social care professionals involved in your care.
    • Regulatory bodies such as the CQC.
    • Legal or safeguarding authorities, when required by law.
    • Our IT and administrative service providers, under secure contracts.

    We will never share your information for marketing purposes without explicit consent.

    1. How Long We Keep Your Information

    We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above or to meet legal requirements. Retention periods may vary depending on the type of data:

    • Care records: Typically 6 years from the end of service.
    • Staff records: 6 years after employment ends.
    • Financial records: As required by law (usually 6 years).
    1. Your Rights

    You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

    • Access: Request a copy of your personal information.
    • Correction: Ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete data.
    • Erasure: Request deletion of your data where permitted.
    • Restriction: Limit how your data is used in certain circumstances.
    • Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
    • Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent at any time.
    • Complaints: Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe we have mishandled your data.
    1. How to Contact Us

    For questions about this Privacy Notice or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact:

    Email: contact@glimmerofhopecare.co.uk
    Phone: 07394315565

    Note for Website Implementation:

    • Include a checkbox on all forms requiring consent: “I have read and accept the Privacy Notice.”
    • Link the Privacy Notice to all relevant forms (referrals, applications, newsletter subscriptions).
    • Ensure mobile and desktop visibility.