Your privacy matters
At EmpowerAbility, we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly, securely, and lawfully.
We understand that privacy is especially important when working in areas relating to disability, housing, health, support, and personal wellbeing.
This Privacy Policy explains:
- what personal information we collect
- why we collect it
- how we use it
- how we protect it
- your rights regarding your personal data
We aim to be transparent, respectful, and responsible in how we handle information.
Who We Are
EmpowerAbility provides information, educational resources, and services relating to:
- supported housing
- accessibility
- disability support
- learning resources
- best practice guidance
For the purposes of data protection law, EmpowerAbility acts as the data controller for personal information collected through our website, communications, and services.
Our Commitment to Data Protection
EmpowerAbility is committed to complying with applicable data protection and privacy legislation, including:
UK General Data Protection Regulation UK GDPR
Data Protection Act 2018 Data Protection Act 2018
We aim to ensure personal data is:
- processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently
- collected for legitimate purposes
- relevant and limited to what is necessary
- accurate and kept up to date
- stored securely
- retained only as long as necessary
- protected against unauthorised access or misuse
Privacy is a core part of dignity and trust.
Information We May Collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us.
This may include:
Contact Information
Examples include:
- name
- email address
- telephone number
- postal address
This information may be collected when you contact us or complete forms on our website.
Enquiry Information
This includes information you choose to provide when contacting us regarding:
- services
- support needs
- housing enquiries
- accessibility questions
- feedback
- general enquiries
Service-Related Information
Where relevant and lawful, we may collect information necessary to assess or deliver services.
This may include personal circumstances or support-related information.
Because some of this information may be sensitive, we treat it with heightened care and confidentiality.
Website Usage Information
When visiting our website, technical information may be collected automatically.
This may include:
- browser type
- device type
- operating system
- pages visited
- session activity
- IP address
- cookies or similar technologies
This helps us improve website performance and usability.
Special Category Data
Some information relating to disability, health, support needs, or care requirements may be considered special category personal data under data protection law.
This type of information receives additional legal protection.
EmpowerAbility will only collect and process such information when there is a lawful basis and a legitimate need to do so.
We take special care with sensitive information.
How We Use Personal Information
We may use personal information to:
- respond to enquiries
- communicate with you
- assess service suitability
- deliver services
- improve our website and resources
- manage records
- comply with legal obligations
- protect safety and wellbeing
- investigate complaints or concerns
We only use personal information for legitimate and necessary purposes.
Lawful Basis for Processing
Under data protection law, we must have a lawful basis for processing personal data.
Depending on the circumstances, we may process data based on:
Consent
Where you have clearly agreed to us using your information for a specific purpose.
Contract
Where processing is necessary to provide services or fulfil contractual obligations.
Legal Obligation
Where processing is required to comply with law or regulation.
Legitimate Interests
Where processing is necessary for legitimate organisational purposes, provided those interests do not override your rights and freedoms.
Vital Interests
In rare circumstances, processing may be necessary to protect someone from serious harm.
Sharing Information
EmpowerAbility does not sell personal data.
We may share information only where necessary and lawful.
This may include sharing with:
- authorised staff or support personnel
- professional advisors
- regulators
- local authorities
- healthcare professionals
- safeguarding agencies
- legal authorities where required by law
Information sharing is limited to what is necessary and appropriate.
Confidentiality remains a priority.
Safeguarding and Duty of Care
There may be circumstances where confidentiality cannot be absolute.
For example, we may need to share information if we believe there is risk of:
- abuse
- neglect
- exploitation
- serious harm
- criminal activity
- safeguarding concerns
In such circumstances, safety may take priority.
Information sharing will always aim to be lawful, proportionate, and necessary.
Data Security
EmpowerAbility takes appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information.
Security measures may include:
- secure systems
- access controls
- password protection
- restricted data access
- secure storage
- secure deletion procedures
While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take reasonable steps to protect data from:
- unauthorised access
- loss
- misuse
- alteration
- disclosure
Data security is taken seriously.
Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary.
Retention periods depend on:
- legal obligations
- service requirements
- safeguarding needs
- operational necessity
When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised where appropriate.
Cookies
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve user experience and analyse website performance.
Cookies may help us:
- understand website traffic
- improve usability
- remember preferences
- improve performance
You can control cookie settings through your browser.
Where required, we will seek appropriate consent.
Your Rights
Under data protection law, you may have rights regarding your personal data.
These may include the right to:
Access Your Data
You may request a copy of personal information we hold about you.
Correct Inaccurate Data
You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
Request Erasure
You may request deletion of personal data in certain circumstances.
Restrict Processing
You may request limitations on how we use your data.
Object to Processing
You may object to certain types of data processing.
Data Portability
Where applicable, you may request transfer of your data.
Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw consent at any time.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services, such as:
- educational resources
- partner organisations
- social media platforms
- video platforms
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites.
We encourage users to review third-party privacy policies.
Changes to This Policy
EmpowerAbility may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Changes may reflect:
- legal updates
- service developments
- operational changes
- improvements to data practices
The latest version will always be published on our website.
Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions, concerns, or requests relating to privacy or personal data, please contact us.
You may contact us regarding:
- data access requests
- correction requests
- privacy concerns
- complaints
- data protection questions
We aim to respond promptly and respectfully.
Our Privacy Philosophy
At EmpowerAbility, privacy is about more than legal compliance.
It is about trust.
It is about dignity.
It is about respect.
We believe personal information should be handled with care, discretion, and integrity.
This reflects our wider commitment to protecting the people we support.
Key Principle
At EmpowerAbility, one principle guides our approach to privacy:
Personal information should always be handled in a way that protects dignity, respects trust, and minimises unnecessary intrusion.
This principle shapes how we manage information across all services and systems.
EmpowerAbility
Empowering lives. Enabling potential.