Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Zion Community Care ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

This policy complies with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and contact details (phone, email, address)
• Health and medical information (with your consent)
• Emergency contact information
• Financial information for billing purposes
• Information about your care needs and preferences

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser information
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Device information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Providing Care Services: To deliver personalized domiciliary care services
• Communication: To respond to inquiries and provide service updates
• Care Planning: To develop and maintain care plans
• Legal Compliance: To comply with regulatory requirements (CQC, safeguarding)
• Billing and Administration: For invoicing and record-keeping
• Quality Improvement: To improve our services and website
• Health and Safety: To protect service users and staff

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract: Processing necessary for service delivery
• Consent: Where you have given explicit consent
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with CQC regulations and safeguarding duties
• Vital Interests: To protect health and wellbeing
• Legitimate Interests: For business operations and service improvement

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Healthcare Professionals: GPs, hospitals, and other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Regulatory Bodies: Care Quality Commission (CQC) and local authorities
• Emergency Services: When necessary for health and safety
• Family Members: With your consent, for care coordination
• Service Providers: Third parties who assist in service delivery (e.g., payroll, IT support)

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Secure storage of physical records in locked cabinets
• Password-protected electronic systems
• Encrypted data transmission
• Staff training on data protection
• Access controls and audit trails
• Regular security assessments

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:

• Care Records: Minimum 7 years after last contact (or longer if required by law)
• Financial Records: 6 years for tax purposes
• Website Enquiries: 2 years or until purpose fulfilled
• Marketing Preferences: Until you withdraw consent

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors use our site
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

13. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact:

14. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):