Privacy Policy

We are ‘processors’ of personal data for the purposes of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR seeks to protect the rights of individuals which includes the safeguarding of personal data, protection against unlawful processing of personal data and the unrestricted movement of personal data. This does not include data that is already in the public domain.

What data do we process?

We obtain and process the following data: –

• Individuals contact details including names, addresses, contact telephone numbers and email addresses provided to us in the initial referral form;
• Information relating to children which can include their names, dates of birth, addresses, existing contact arrangements between children and parents and their living arrangements, details of schools and details of any relevant medical or health conditions;
• Details of any relevant Divorce or Court Proceedings;
• Details of solicitors, accountants, counsellors, therapists or other professionals involved with the individual;
• Occupations of individuals;
• Information about any individual’s relevant medical or health conditions;
• Financial information (in cases involving disputes around finances or where Legal Aid is provided).

Legal basis for processing data

The legal basis which permits us to process an individual’s data is that the processing is necessary for us to perform a task in the public interest and the task or function has a clear basis in law. More specifically, it is necessary for us to process data to enable us to provide a quality mediation service to individuals and to provide Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings in accordance with the Family and Children’s Act 2014.

In addition, the processing of personal data is necessary for us to undertake the following activities: –

• To assess the suitability of mediation taking into consideration any potential risks to individuals who are considering participating in mediation;
• To enable us to consider whether any conflict of interest exists before the mediation process is engaged;
• For internal record keeping;
• For auditing and supervision purposes.

If mediation takes place, individuals will be required to sign an Agreement to Mediate and our basis for processing and holding personal data will become contractual.

Protection of personal data

We hold and store data both electronically and in paper form. We are committed to protecting individual’s personal data and will not share any information with any third parties without that individual’s expressed consent unless we are required to do so by law.

We will store personal data in paper form for a period of 12 months after which such data will be scanned and securely stored electronically. The paper files will be confidentially destroyed. We will retain personal data electronically for 7 years to enable us to continue to provide individuals with a quality service should this be required.

Where data is stored electronically this is held only on password protected devises. Only authorised personnel are permitted to access this data. Where data is stored in paper form this is stored in a locked filing cabinet in our office space.

Personal data belongs to the individual and we will provide copies of any personal data belonging to an individual free of charge.