Privacy Notice
Silver Lining Fostering Ltd
At Silver Lining Fostering Ltd, we are committed to protecting the personal data of children, foster carers, staff, and all individuals we work with.
Who We Are
Silver Lining Fostering Ltd is an independent fostering agency providing foster care services across London and surrounding areas. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.
Data Protection Officer (DPO)
You can contact our Data Protection Officer for any queries about how your data is handled.
What Personal Data We Collect
We collect and process personal data relevant to fostering services.
Children and Young People
- Personal details (name, date of birth, address)
- Care history and placement information
- Health and education records
- Safeguarding and risk assessments
Foster Carers and Applicants
- Contact details and identification information
- Employment and education history
- References and assessment reports
- Health information
- DBS and safeguarding checks
- Financial information (where required)
Staff and Professionals
- Employment records and qualifications
- Training and supervision records
- DBS checks
Website Users
- Basic technical data collected via cookies (see our Cookie Policy)
Special Category Data
As a fostering agency, we process sensitive data, including:
- Health information
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Religious beliefs (where relevant to care needs)
- Criminal records and safeguarding information
This data is processed lawfully and with strict confidentiality.
Lawful Basis for Processing
UK GDPR Article 6
- Legal obligation
- Public task
- Contract
- Legitimate interests (where appropriate)
UK GDPR Article 9 (Special Category Data)
- Substantial public interest
- Safeguarding children and individuals at risk
Our work is carried out in accordance with:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011
- National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services
How We Use Your Information
- Assess and approve foster carers
- Safeguard and support children in care
- Match children with suitable foster placements
- Provide supervision, training, and ongoing support
- Meet legal, regulatory, and safeguarding obligations
- Work effectively with local authorities and partner agencies
Who We Share Information With
We may share personal data where necessary with:
- Local Authorities
- Ofsted
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Health professionals (e.g. GPs, CAMHS)
- Education providers
- Independent social workers and fostering panel members
- Other safeguarding and regulatory bodies
We only share information where it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate.
International Data Transfers
We do not routinely transfer personal data outside the UK. If this becomes necessary, appropriate safeguards will be implemented.
Data Retention
We retain records in line with fostering regulations and legal requirements:
Your Data Protection Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
Access
Request a copy of your personal data
Correction
Request correction of inaccurate information
Erasure
Request erasure in certain circumstances
Restriction
Restrict or object to processing
Portability
Request data portability where applicable
Some rights may be limited where we are required to retain information for safeguarding or legal purposes.
How to Raise a Concern
If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact our Data Protection Officer.
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.
Children's Privacy
We take extra care when handling children's personal data. Information is only processed where necessary to safeguard and promote their welfare.
A child-friendly version of this privacy notice is available upon request.
Updates to This Privacy Notice
We may update this privacy notice from time to time. The latest version will always be published on our website.