Fostering for Middlesbrough website privacy policy
This website is owned by Middlesbrough Council. Any information which you send to us through this website, i.e. your personal details when completing the contact form, is managed as follows:
1. We will keep information no longer than we reasonably believe is necessary
We keep your data only for as long as is required. Your details will not be stored by the website. They will be sent securely to Middlesbrough Council’s Family Placement Team and kept until your application to become a foster carer is either approved or declined. If you choose not to become a foster carer at any point, your details will be destroyed.
2. We will use information only for the purpose for which you sent it
We will only use your personal details to contact you about becoming a foster carer.
We will not pass on your email address or any of your personal details to other organisations unless explicitly stated.
3. We may use information for statistical analysis but in such a way that your identity will not be involved
To improve the user experience of this website we track your activity on this website. This statistical data generated in this way is completely anonymised.
4. Use of cookies
A number of cookies are present on this website. The purpose of these cookies to enable the website to function correctly and improve your experience.
Two of the cookies set are essential to ensure the website functions correctly. The other four cookies on this website are non-essential, you must therefore accept for these cookies to be used before they are placed on your computer or device. You can amend your preference at anytime by clicking the cog icon at the bottom of the website.
The different cookies used on this site are explained below:
| Cookie Name | Purpose of cookie | Cookie expires |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google analytics to monitor your activity on our website | 2 years |
| _gid | Google analytics to monitor your activity on our website | 1 day |
| _fbp | Used by Facebook to deliver a series of advertisement products such as real time bidding from third party advertisers | 3 months |
| popupcookie | Cookie needed to display our ‘contact us’ popup | 1 day |
| moove_gdpr_popup | Manage your preference to opt in or our of cookies set on this website | 1 year |
5. Facebook Pixel
To grow the number of visitors to this website and to assist with finding foster carers we occasionally use targeted adverts on Facebook. These adverts will appear in the Facebook feeds of those that potentially may be interested in fostering, encouraging them to come to this website for more information. In place on this website is something called a Facebook Pixel. This is a cookie that monitors your activity on this website and gives us vital information to tailor our Facebook adverts and reach only those that are genuinely interested in Fostering.
6. Getting consent to use your data
You are required to give consent for us to use your data and therefore process your application to become a foster carer. By entering your details on this website you are giving us permission to contact you about becoming a foster carer. If any services require further consent from you, this will be explicitly asked for, and explained when required.
7. We will only collect information that is required
We have simplified this website to ensure that all of the information that you give to us is required. We do not ask for information which is not necessary, which ensures that the website is easy to use and we do not hold unnecessary information about you.
8. Website protected by https
This website is secured using https security. The https which appears at the beginning of our website address means that this website is certified secure, and therefore any data which is passed to us via this website is safe.
9. Storage of data given
Information that you input through this site is securely held. Your personal details are never stored by the website. They will be sent securely to members of the Family Placement Team and held on a secure system requiring authenticated access through the Council’s secure network.
10. How we will contact you
We will contact you via email or telephone, depending on which details you give us.
11. Subject access request
At Middlesbrough Council we are open and honest about how we store your personal data and what we use it for. At any time you can complete a subject access request which will inform you what information we hold about you and how that information is being used. To request a subject access request please go to the data protection page on our council website. You will need to specify that your request for information relates to Fostering for Middlesbrough.
12. Right to be forgotten
As mentioned above we will only keep data relating to you for as long as is required. At any point you have the right to request to be forgotten, this means that if requested we will where possible delete our records of contact with yourself. To request the right to be forgotten please contact the Information Governance Team at Middlesbrough Council, contact details are available on the data protection page of the Middlesbrough Council website.
For further information on the General Data Protection Regulation and Middlesbrough Council’s responsibilities under it please consult the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
