Privacy Policy

This document tells you how OPAL will use any personal information you give us. This is called a ‘privacy notice’.
When you ask us for help with a problem or join any of our groups and activities, we will need to keep some personal information about you. We will only ask for information that we need to help or support you to make decisions or to stay safe while taking part in activities with us. We will explain to you why we need this information.

The information we may ask for includes your name, contact details, age, ethnic background, sex, and details about the issue or problem you want support with, as well as your views on what is best for a friend or relative we are supporting. If you don’t want to give us certain information, you don’t have to.

Your information will be saved on a secure computer system and in locked filing cabinets in offices that are locked when we are not in work. All of this information is kept in the UK. Our staff are trained on how to keep your information safe.

We use your information to help you solve your issue or problem. We might also use your information to tell people about our work, provide information to our funders about the work we do, help us improve our services, or look into a complaint.

When we close your file, we will store your information safely and securely for 7 years. You have the right to look at any information we have about you. If you believe the information we have is wrong, we will change the information or make a note of what you think is wrong. You can also ask us to get rid of your information, but sometimes we have to keep information by law.

We usually only share your information with your permission. However, there may be times we have to share your information without your permission, for example, if we believe you or someone else are at serious risk of harm or if the law requires us to do so.

If your information is seen by anyone you haven’t said is OK, we will tell you about it as soon as possible and explain what we will be doing about it. We will also inform the Information Commissioner about the incident and tell you how you can complain if you want to.