At Advocacy Focus, your privacy matters and we are committed to keeping your personal information safe, secure, and used only in ways that support you.

This page explains how we collect, store, use, and share your information, and the choices you have.

What information do we hold?

We may collect information such as:

• Your name, address and contact details
• Information about your situation and needs
• Notes from meetings or phone calls
• Any preferences you share with us

We only collect what is needed to provide you with advocacy support.

How we keep your information safe

We make sure your information is:

• Stored securely (locked files, password-protected systems)
• Only accessed by people who need it to support you
• Kept accurate and up to date
• Used fairly and lawfully under the UK GDPR

If we work with other trusted services (for example interpreters), they must also agree to keep your information confidential.

How we use your information

We use your information to:

• Provide you with advocacy
• Understand your wishes and support your choices
• Keep accurate records
• Improve our services using anonymised data

We will never sell your information.

Sharing your information

We will not share your information without your permission, unless:

• Someone is at risk of serious harm
• A child or adult is at risk of abuse
• There is a serious crime
• The law requires us to share it

If this happens, we will:

• Try to speak to you first, unless this would put someone in danger
• Record why the decision was made
• Only share what is necessary

When someone cannot give consent

If a person is unable to make a decision about sharing their information, we follow the Mental Capacity Act.

This means:

• We assess capacity
• We make a best interest decision
• We record the reasons
• We only share what is strictly necessary

This is done in line with our Non-Instructed Advocacy Policy and safeguarding duties.

Your choices and rights

You have the right to:

• Know what information we hold about you
• Ask to see your records
• Ask for corrections
• Decide how your information is shared
• Withdraw consent at any time (unless the law requires us to keep or share information)

We will explain your options clearly and in a way that makes sense to you.

If something goes wrong

If there is a concern or a data breach, we will:

• Act quickly to make it safe
• Investigate what happened
• Inform the relevant authorities if required
• Let you know if your information may have been affected

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions about confidentiality or your information, please contact:

Operations@advocacyfocus.org.uk

You can also ask your Advocate to explain this to you.

Review

This statement is reviewed every two years.

Next review: February 2028