Mulberry Foster Care – Privacy Notice

Last updated: 13 June 2025

1. Who We Are

Mulberry Foster Care
Mulberry House
Phocle Green Business Park
Herefordshire
HR9 7XU

📧 enquiries@mulberryfostercare.co.uk

📞 01989 550955

Our designated Data Protection Officer is Andrew Robinson. Any queries about this notice or how we handle your data can be directed to him via the contact details above.

2. Whose Data Do We Collect?

We collect and process personal information relating to:

  • Foster carers
  • Looked after children
  • Staff members
  • Birth families
  • Local authority social workers and professionals

3. What Data Do We Collect?

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Foster carers: Names, contact details, DBS checks, references, training history, medical reports, household and family information.
  • Children in our care: Name, date of birth, care history, education and health records, safeguarding and placement information.
  • Staff members: Employment records, references, qualifications, DBS checks, performance and contact details.
  • Birth families: Relevant family and background information where needed for the welfare of the child.
  • Social workers / professionals: Name, contact details, professional involvement and communications.

4. How Do We Collect Your Information?

We collect data through:

  • Application forms
  • Referrals from local authorities
  • Direct contact via email or telephone
  • Internal case management processes

5. Why Do We Collect Your Information?

We collect personal data in order to:

  • Recruit, assess and support foster carers
  • Deliver safe and effective placements for children
  • Safeguard and promote the welfare of children
  • Fulfil our legal and regulatory obligations
  • Communicate with professionals and manage placement arrangements

6. Legal Bases for Processing

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), our lawful bases for processing data include:

  • Legal obligation – e.g., fulfilling our duties under fostering regulations
  • Public task – providing services as part of the public care system
  • Legitimate interest – managing placements and relationships
  • Vital interests – protecting a child’s safety and wellbeing
  • Consent – for certain non-essential communications or optional services

7. Who We Share Data With

We may share personal data with:

  • Local authorities
  • Ofsted
  • IT and case management system providers
  • External professionals (e.g. social workers, therapists)

We will only share information when it is lawful and necessary to do so.

8. How Long Do We Keep Your Data?

We keep personal information for up to 6 years from the end of a placement, case, or employment, unless a longer period is required by law.

9. International Transfers

We do not transfer personal data outside of the UK or EEA.

10. Automated Decision-Making

We do not carry out automated decision-making or profiling.

11. Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request erasure (in certain circumstances)
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise any of your rights, please contact Andrew Robinson at the contact details above.

We are committed to handling your data fairly, lawfully, and transparently. If you have any concerns about how we use your information, please get in touch.