Shared Lives privacy notice

Read our privacy notice for information on how we collect, store and process your data.

The Shared Lives scheme is part of Brighton & Hove City Council and we are committed to protecting your personal information. 

The Council is the data controller for purposes of the Data Protection Act (2018) and the UK GDPR and is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). As a data controller we have a responsibility to make sure you know why and how your personal information is being collected in accordance with relevant data protection law.

Why we are processing your data

The Brighton and Hove Shared Lives Scheme approves Shared Lives Carers and provides them with ongoing support, guidance and training to ensure they are fully skilled to be effective in their role. We undertake to share your data only on a basis of need and in line with legislation and we will always work transparently with you.

We are collecting your data for the purpose of:

  • undertaking statutory duties to support and protect vulnerable adults and children
  • ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies e.g. Care Quality Commission
  • assessing the initial and ongoing suitability of Shared Lives carers to offer support and accommodation through the Shared Lives Scheme – including full enhanced DBS checks

We rely on the following as the lawful basis on which we can collect and use your personal data:

  • Article 6(1)(e) - processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller

The relevant legislation includes:

  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Childrens Act 2004
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Mental Health Act 2017
  • Chronically Sick and disabled persons Act 1970

When we collect your special categories of personal data, such as health, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation we rely on the following legal bases:

  • Article 9(2)(g) - processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest - safeguarding of children and of individuals at risk, equality of opportunity or treatment
  • Article (9)(2)(h) - processing is necessary for the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services

We rely on the health or social care purposes condition from Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Data Protection Act 2018 when relying on Article(9)(2)(h) to process your special category data. We rely on the statutory and safeguarding purposes conditions from Schedule 1, Part 2 of the Data Protection Act 2018 when relying on Article(9)(2)(g) to process your DBS data.

The type of information we process about you to deliver the services outlined above may relate to your:  

  • personal details such as  name, address, date of birth and telephone number
  • domestic circumstances like your accommodation and living arrangements
  • home life relating to you and any other residents of your property
  • information relating to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provided response
  • relationships - contact details for members of your family and emergency support contacts
  • information about you and your circumstances like your background history, education and employment, beliefs and values
  • information about any health and safety concerns
  • finance information like bank details, fees, benefits
  • training records and action plans
  • photographs for panel paperwork, profiles and, if consent given, for publicity

The information provided by you may include the following special category data:  

  • race or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical belief
  • physical or mental health or any disabilities
  • sexual orientation

Who we will share your data with

The Council will only share your personal information with other departments within the Council, and with other organisations when it is necessary to provide the services to you or the people you support, and when we have a lawful reason to do so. 

Your data may be shared with:  

  • The Care Quality Commission
  • Shared Lives Plus
  • Shared Lives independent panel
  • partnering foster care agencies
  • Disclosed and Barring Service (DBS)
  • housing associations and landlords by agreement - no special category data shared
  • Government Ombudsman
  • some outside organisations - other providers, advocates - no special category data shared
  • Brighton & Hove Social Work teams
  • Brighton & Hove Quality Monitoring team
  • NHS professionals  

The council operates shared services with Surrey County Council and East Sussex County Council. We may share your information with one of these partners if necessary to provide these services.

How long we will hold your data  - retention

We will hold your data for 7 years following the ending of your time as a Shared Lives carer. After this time names and dates only will be kept with no other personal information. Any applications to become a Shared Lives carer that are not progressed will be kept for seven years. This also applies to support carers.  

Transferring data outside the European Economic Area

Your information is not processed outside of the European Economic Area.

Your information rights  

Under GDPR you have certain rights concerning your information.

Check your rights in relation to your personal information.

How to get advice or make a complaint

Data Protection Officer

If you have a concern about how we collect or use your personal data you can contact the Council’s Data Protection Officer.  

How to make a complaint

We aim to resolve all complaints about how we handle personal information. You also have the right to make a complaint about data protection to the Information Commissioner's Office. 

Contact them by post: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF or phone 0303 1231 113.

You can also make a complaint or find out more information on the Commissioner's Office website.

If your complaint is not about data protection, find details on how to make a complaint about a council service.