privacy
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond:
- Section 1: Privacy Policy
- Section 2: Safeguarding & Confidentiality Policies
- Section 3: Feedback & Complaints Procedures
Section 1:
Privacy Policy: Introduction
This Privacy Policy outlines Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond
("we", "our" or "the Charity") practices with respect to information collected from users who access our website at www.mpukab.com
("Site") or otherwise share personal information with us (collectively: "Users").
Responsible authority within the meaning of data protection laws, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
This website and the policies described herein are operated by the charity Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond.
We take your privacy very seriously and are committed to protecting any personal information we might hold about you. This Privacy Policy tells you what we do with any personal information you provide to us.
We have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who is responsible for ensuring that the charity protects your data and abides by the Data Protection Act (1998). The DPO will be happy to provide more information about our policies if required & can be contacted via email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@hotmail.com
We take your privacy very seriously and are committed to protecting any personal information we might hold about you. This Privacy Policy tells you what we do with any personal information you provide to us.
We have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who is responsible for ensuring that the charity protects your data and abides by the Data Protection Act (1998). The DPO will be happy to provide more information about our policies if required & can be contacted via email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@hotmail.com
User Rights
You may request to:
- Receive confirmation as to whether or not personal information concerning you is being processed and access your stored personal information, together with supplementary information.
- Receive a copy of personal information you directly volunteer to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format.
- Request rectification of your personal information that is in our control.
- Request erasure of your personal information.
- Object to the processing of personal information by us.
- Request to restrict processing of your personal information by us.
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
We will always respect your rights under data protection law, e.g. rights to request data access; rectification; deletion of information held; restrict processing; objection &/or withdrawal of consent, and will implement any requests, however, any decisions taken may be subject to conflict with the rights of others.
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office if you are unhappy with the response you receive from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond.
Retention of Data
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will keep its records of missing people and their families for as long as that person remains missing.
It is necessary to do this as it allows us to have access to up-to-date information, meaning we can provide immediate & appropriate assistance.
If the record we have is general enquiry only, &/or you did not identify yourself and we have not been asked to support the family or missing person then we will delete the record within 1 year.
Where a missing person is found, we will keep the records no longer than six years after the last contact with the missing person or a loved one so that if that person goes missing again, we can help using the best information available.
In cases relating to long lost family/friends, if there has been no communication between Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond and the individual(s) seeking contact, for more than six years, we will close the case and delete the record unless we have been specifically asked to retain sufficient data to help with future searches.
This will also apply, if a long-lost friend/relative who does not want contact, instructs us to retain data to prevent a later search request.
It is necessary to do this as it allows us to have access to up-to-date information, meaning we can provide immediate & appropriate assistance.
If the record we have is general enquiry only, &/or you did not identify yourself and we have not been asked to support the family or missing person then we will delete the record within 1 year.
Where a missing person is found, we will keep the records no longer than six years after the last contact with the missing person or a loved one so that if that person goes missing again, we can help using the best information available.
In cases relating to long lost family/friends, if there has been no communication between Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond and the individual(s) seeking contact, for more than six years, we will close the case and delete the record unless we have been specifically asked to retain sufficient data to help with future searches.
This will also apply, if a long-lost friend/relative who does not want contact, instructs us to retain data to prevent a later search request.
Accuracy
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will always endeavour to take reasonable steps to maintain the accuracy of the data it holds about you.
We may ask you to confirm data about your missing loved one to ensure we have correct information.
Because we might retain data for a long time, the contact details we hold may become outdated, so if we are supporting you, we would expect you to keep us informed of any changes, so that we can maintain contact .
You have the rights to see the data we hold about you and, if it is not accurate, we will rectify it for you.
What We Do With Your Data
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will keep your personal information, i.e. data from which you can be identified, on a secure database to which only we have access.
This database is essential to our work as it allows quick access to your information, ensuring effective communication.
We only store information that is directly related to the work we do e.g. missing person cases or reuniting long lost family/friends etc.
This can include personal information about a missing person and their family members, e.g. their health/well-being, as well as records of our communications.
For individuals looking for long lost family/friends we will hold your personal information (e.g. name, contact information etc.) and any details you provide us for research purposes as well as any data we find for the person(s) you are looking for.
Please note we do not record telephone conversations but may make notes about them.
Wherever possible we will ask for your consent to store data about you & provide an explanation as to why.
In the case of missing people, it is not possible to obtain consent unless the person contacts us directly. We rely on their details being passed to us by their family/friends or via official channels (e.g. police etc.).
Typically, the type of data for missing person(s) includes name, age, date of birth, contact details (e.g. mobile number), appearance and risk factors (e.g. mental health issues), circumstances of the missing person’s disappearance, last known whereabouts and other vital facts.
When someone contacts us regarding looking for long lost family/friends it is necessary for them to provide personal information about themselves and about the person(s) they have lost contact with.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will follow comprehensive procedures to establish the situation and to ensure that the charity is satisfied that the reasons for seeking a reunion is genuine & in both parties’ interest.
The person contacting us will be asked to give consent for their own data to be stored and for the person’s data to be used. We will then use trustworthy resources to find possible addresses for the person being searched for and, in the first instance, write to those addresses on behalf of the person searching.
These letters allow the lost family member/friend to their rights to object to the processing, to seek access to the information we hold, to request us to rectify (correct) it, to restrict what we do with it (e.g. stop processing but store data) or to delete the information we hold . If we find the lost family member, we do not share their contact information with the searching relative without the lost family member’s consent .
We will not share your data with anyone without your permission, however, there are exceptions to this which have been detailed below:
1. Your contact relates to criminal threats & or activities (e.g. terrorism, bomb threats etc.);
2. We receive a formal legal request (e.g. court order) to share information with the police or other official organisation;
3. We need to call help/assistance for you (e.g. an ambulance etc.) because you are unable to do it for yourself;
4. You give us permission to share information with a party we are working with in order to help provide the appropriate level of assistance;
5. You identify someone who has harmed or says they are going to harm a child or vulnerable adult;
6. Where you are in a situation which has &/or could have the potential to cause you harm, & you have provided us with information that identifies you, and you are unable to make critical decisions for yourself.
This applies to all young people under 13, and in some circumstances to older children and adults. We will always try to talk to you before taking action, however, if we believe that this could put yourself or others at greater risk of harm, we will contact appropriate authorities.
7. In certain situations, we reserve the right to restrict your access to our services – e.g. if you threaten our volunteers, or misuse our service to the disadvantage of others etc.
This database is essential to our work as it allows quick access to your information, ensuring effective communication.
We only store information that is directly related to the work we do e.g. missing person cases or reuniting long lost family/friends etc.
This can include personal information about a missing person and their family members, e.g. their health/well-being, as well as records of our communications.
For individuals looking for long lost family/friends we will hold your personal information (e.g. name, contact information etc.) and any details you provide us for research purposes as well as any data we find for the person(s) you are looking for.
Please note we do not record telephone conversations but may make notes about them.
Wherever possible we will ask for your consent to store data about you & provide an explanation as to why.
In the case of missing people, it is not possible to obtain consent unless the person contacts us directly. We rely on their details being passed to us by their family/friends or via official channels (e.g. police etc.).
Typically, the type of data for missing person(s) includes name, age, date of birth, contact details (e.g. mobile number), appearance and risk factors (e.g. mental health issues), circumstances of the missing person’s disappearance, last known whereabouts and other vital facts.
When someone contacts us regarding looking for long lost family/friends it is necessary for them to provide personal information about themselves and about the person(s) they have lost contact with.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will follow comprehensive procedures to establish the situation and to ensure that the charity is satisfied that the reasons for seeking a reunion is genuine & in both parties’ interest.
These letters allow the lost family member/friend to their rights to object to the processing, to seek access to the information we hold, to request us to rectify (correct) it, to restrict what we do with it (e.g. stop processing but store data) or to delete the information we hold . If we find the lost family member, we do not share their contact information with the searching relative without the lost family member’s consent .
We will not share your data with anyone without your permission, however, there are exceptions to this which have been detailed below:
1. Your contact relates to criminal threats & or activities (e.g. terrorism, bomb threats etc.);
2. We receive a formal legal request (e.g. court order) to share information with the police or other official organisation;
3. We need to call help/assistance for you (e.g. an ambulance etc.) because you are unable to do it for yourself;
4. You give us permission to share information with a party we are working with in order to help provide the appropriate level of assistance;
5. You identify someone who has harmed or says they are going to harm a child or vulnerable adult;
6. Where you are in a situation which has &/or could have the potential to cause you harm, & you have provided us with information that identifies you, and you are unable to make critical decisions for yourself.
This applies to all young people under 13, and in some circumstances to older children and adults. We will always try to talk to you before taking action, however, if we believe that this could put yourself or others at greater risk of harm, we will contact appropriate authorities.
7. In certain situations, we reserve the right to restrict your access to our services – e.g. if you threaten our volunteers, or misuse our service to the disadvantage of others etc.
Minors
We understand the importance of protecting children’s privacy, especially in an online environment. The Site is not designed for or directed at children. Under no circumstances shall we allow the use of our services by minors.
We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from minors.
If a parent or guardian becomes aware that his or her child has provided us with Personal Information without their consent, he or she should contact us at: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com.
We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from minors.
If a parent or guardian becomes aware that his or her child has provided us with Personal Information without their consent, he or she should contact us at: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com.
Cookies
We and our trusted partners use cookies and other technologies in our related services, including when you visit our Site or access our services.
A "cookie" is a small piece of information that a website assigns to your device while you are viewing a website. Cookies are very helpful and can be used for various different purposes. These purposes include allowing you to navigate between pages efficiently, enabling automatic activation of certain features, remembering your preferences and making the interaction between you and our Services quicker and easier. Cookies are also used to help make sure that the advertisements you see are relevant to you and your interests and to compile statistical data on your use of our Services.
The Site uses the following types of cookies:
a. 'session cookies' , which are stored only temporarily during a browsing session in order to allow normal use of the system and are deleted from your device when the browser is closed;
b. 'persistent cookies', which are read only by the Site, saved on your computer for a fixed period and are not deleted when the browser is closed. Such cookies are used where we need to know who you are for repeat visits, for example to allow us to store your preferences for the next sign-in;
c. 'third-party cookies' , which are set by other online services who run content on the page you are viewing, for example by third-party analytics companies who monitor and analyse our web access.
Cookies do not contain any information that personally identifies you, but Personal Information that we store about you may be linked, by us, to the information stored in and obtained from cookies. You may remove the cookies by following the instructions of your device preferences; however, if you choose to disable cookies, some features of our Site may not operate properly and your online experience may be limited.
We use a tool which is based on the Snowplow Analytics technology to collect information about your use of the Site. The tool collects information such as how often users access the Site, which pages they visit when they do so, etc. The tool does not collect any Personal Information and is only used by our Site hosting and operating service provider to improve the Site and services.
A "cookie" is a small piece of information that a website assigns to your device while you are viewing a website. Cookies are very helpful and can be used for various different purposes. These purposes include allowing you to navigate between pages efficiently, enabling automatic activation of certain features, remembering your preferences and making the interaction between you and our Services quicker and easier. Cookies are also used to help make sure that the advertisements you see are relevant to you and your interests and to compile statistical data on your use of our Services.
The Site uses the following types of cookies:
a. 'session cookies' , which are stored only temporarily during a browsing session in order to allow normal use of the system and are deleted from your device when the browser is closed;
b. 'persistent cookies', which are read only by the Site, saved on your computer for a fixed period and are not deleted when the browser is closed. Such cookies are used where we need to know who you are for repeat visits, for example to allow us to store your preferences for the next sign-in;
c. 'third-party cookies' , which are set by other online services who run content on the page you are viewing, for example by third-party analytics companies who monitor and analyse our web access.
Cookies do not contain any information that personally identifies you, but Personal Information that we store about you may be linked, by us, to the information stored in and obtained from cookies. You may remove the cookies by following the instructions of your device preferences; however, if you choose to disable cookies, some features of our Site may not operate properly and your online experience may be limited.
We use a tool which is based on the Snowplow Analytics technology to collect information about your use of the Site. The tool collects information such as how often users access the Site, which pages they visit when they do so, etc. The tool does not collect any Personal Information and is only used by our Site hosting and operating service provider to improve the Site and services.
Updates or amendments to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to periodically amend or revise the Privacy Policy; material changes will be effective immediately upon the display of the revised Privacy policy. The last revision will be reflected in the "Last modified" section. Your continued use of the Platform, following the notification of such amendments on our website, constitutes your acknowledgment and consent of such amendments to the Privacy Policy and your agreement to be bound by the terms of such amendments.
How to contact us
If you have any general questions about the Site or the information we collect about you and how we use it, you can contact us at:
missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
Missing Persons U.K and Beyond
Last Modified: 27th August 2020
Section 2: Safeguarding Policy
One of the core values that the trustees and volunteers of Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond are dedicated to is the responsibility of protecting all vulnerable children, and adults with whom we come into contact with.
The entire ethos of the charity is to safeguard vulnerable people through the services we provide and act accordingly to ensure each individual receives the correct help & support they need.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond guarantee our service users that their confidentiality is a fundamental basis of our safeguarding policy, & is central to the safety & well-being of all vulnerable persons.
As a charity dealing with vulnerable members of society, we acknowledge that we have a duty of care to both children, young people & adults in relation to the following points:
• Recognise those people at risk;
• Prevent abuse and neglect;
• Support well-being of vulnerable persons & provide assistance to allow people to have control over life choices;
• Act to prevent people coming to harm.
Our confidentiality code of practise is the basis of the safeguarding policy implemented by Missing Persons U.K and Beyond & is built around the specific requirements each individual missing person & their family have. The Confidentiality Policy is outlined in the next section.
The entire ethos of the charity is to safeguard vulnerable people through the services we provide and act accordingly to ensure each individual receives the correct help & support they need.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond guarantee our service users that their confidentiality is a fundamental basis of our safeguarding policy, & is central to the safety & well-being of all vulnerable persons.
As a charity dealing with vulnerable members of society, we acknowledge that we have a duty of care to both children, young people & adults in relation to the following points:
• Recognise those people at risk;
• Prevent abuse and neglect;
• Support well-being of vulnerable persons & provide assistance to allow people to have control over life choices;
• Act to prevent people coming to harm.
Our confidentiality code of practise is the basis of the safeguarding policy implemented by Missing Persons U.K and Beyond & is built around the specific requirements each individual missing person & their family have. The Confidentiality Policy is outlined in the next section.
Confidentiality Policy
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond confidentiality policy allows our volunteers & service users to build a good working relationship, built on trust, by providing reliable & consistent help & support tailored to unique needs & circumstances.
Our main goal is to create an atmosphere in which vulnerable people can feel safe & secure in the knowledge that they can talk & we will listen, without judgement.
When we are contacted by telephone, text, or email we don’t know who you are, or where you are, & you will remain anonymous unless you wish to provide personal information.
Where contact is made via social media your profile etc. is available for us to view, so it is not possible to anonymity, however, any form of contact is subject to our confidentiality & privacy policies.
You can tell us anything, & talk to us about everything, & we will always listen so that together we can help you get the right help & support you need.
We understand that building a relationship takes time, and we will always be here for you when you need us.
If you ask for us to contact someone on your behalf – e.g. ‘safe & well’ message etc. – we will need to ask for basic details such as name, date of birth and contact details.
If you choose to waive your right to anonymity, & provide your personal details, this & any other information will be private – i.e. between Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond any yourself, unless you specify otherwise.
Where you have provided personal details, we will ask for your consent to store this information in our database, so that we can provide continuity of service, however, it will also be subject to our confidentiality & privacy policies.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond place enormous importance in our duty of care to our service users, especially concerning our privacy, confidentiality & safeguarding policies, which we believe is the key basis for a strong relationship with vulnerable people.
While this is important, we also have an obligation to ensure the safety & well-being of vulnerable people, so in situations where we believe a person(s) is at considerable risk of serious harm or a person’s life is in danger, we would have to consider divulging a vulnerable persons’ information – without consent – to emergency services.
The privacy policy above covers this issue in more detail.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding our privacy, safeguarding, & confidentiality policies please contact us via email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
Our main goal is to create an atmosphere in which vulnerable people can feel safe & secure in the knowledge that they can talk & we will listen, without judgement.
When we are contacted by telephone, text, or email we don’t know who you are, or where you are, & you will remain anonymous unless you wish to provide personal information.
Where contact is made via social media your profile etc. is available for us to view, so it is not possible to anonymity, however, any form of contact is subject to our confidentiality & privacy policies.
You can tell us anything, & talk to us about everything, & we will always listen so that together we can help you get the right help & support you need.
We understand that building a relationship takes time, and we will always be here for you when you need us.
If you ask for us to contact someone on your behalf – e.g. ‘safe & well’ message etc. – we will need to ask for basic details such as name, date of birth and contact details.
If you choose to waive your right to anonymity, & provide your personal details, this & any other information will be private – i.e. between Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond any yourself, unless you specify otherwise.
Where you have provided personal details, we will ask for your consent to store this information in our database, so that we can provide continuity of service, however, it will also be subject to our confidentiality & privacy policies.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond place enormous importance in our duty of care to our service users, especially concerning our privacy, confidentiality & safeguarding policies, which we believe is the key basis for a strong relationship with vulnerable people.
While this is important, we also have an obligation to ensure the safety & well-being of vulnerable people, so in situations where we believe a person(s) is at considerable risk of serious harm or a person’s life is in danger, we would have to consider divulging a vulnerable persons’ information – without consent – to emergency services.
The privacy policy above covers this issue in more detail.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding our privacy, safeguarding, & confidentiality policies please contact us via email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
Section 3: Feedback & Complaints
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond aims to provide a high standard of help & support to our service user.
All feedback is welcomed, good or bad, as it helps us to shape the way in which we provide our services. The quality of assistance we offer is of great importance to us and we value any input you would like to give.
If you have general feedback or complaints regarding your experience of our services please contact:
missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
Helpline: 0800 246 1093
Text: 07592455054
Or write to:
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond
125 Parkside Street
Rosyth
Fife
KY11 2NF
Complaints
Please note, it is usually best to put any complaint in writing, that way there is no ambiguity over what both parties have said & any agreed action which should be taken, however, please choose whichever method you prefer.
Any response from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will be in writing unless you specify otherwise.
Any complaint will be acknowledged with 2 working days, and a full response will be issued within 14 working days from the date of acknowledgement.
We will always try to resolve your complaint satisfactorily, but in instances where this cannot be achieved, we will work together with you find an independent mediator.
All feedback is welcomed, good or bad, as it helps us to shape the way in which we provide our services. The quality of assistance we offer is of great importance to us and we value any input you would like to give.
If you have general feedback or complaints regarding your experience of our services please contact:
missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
Helpline: 0800 246 1093
Text: 07592455054
Or write to:
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond
125 Parkside Street
Rosyth
Fife
KY11 2NF
Complaints
Please include the heading COMPLAINT on any written correspondence.
Outline what your complaint is about, providing as much detail as possible & how you think we can prevent it from happening again &/or rectify the situation.
Please note, it is usually best to put any complaint in writing, that way there is no ambiguity over what both parties have said & any agreed action which should be taken, however, please choose whichever method you prefer.
Any response from Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond will be in writing unless you specify otherwise.
Any complaint will be acknowledged with 2 working days, and a full response will be issued within 14 working days from the date of acknowledgement.
We will always try to resolve your complaint satisfactorily, but in instances where this cannot be achieved, we will work together with you find an independent mediator.
Missing Persons U.K. and Beyond
125 Parkside Street
Rosyth
Fife
KY11 2NF
Contact us
Call: 0800 246 1093
Text: 07592455054
Email: missingpersonsukandbeyond2018@yahoo.com
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