Last Updated: June 2026
Introduction
Homeshare Experts CIC trading as Share and Care Homeshare is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly, lawfully and transparently.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share and protect personal information when you:
- Apply to join our Homeshare service;
- Make an enquiry about our services;
- Visit our website;
- Contact us by telephone, email or online;
- Participate in our Homeshare programme;
- Work or volunteer with us.
This policy applies to Householders, Homesharers, family members, representatives, referrers, volunteers, employees, contractors and website users.
Who We Are
Share and Care Homeshare CIC is a Community Interest Company providing Homeshare services that help older people and other adults who may benefit from companionship and practical support to remain living independently in their own homes.
Data Controller
Homeshare Experts CIC trading as Share and Care Homeshare
Website: https://shareandcare.co.uk
Email: info@shareandcare.co.uk
Telephone: 020 3865 3398
Registered Office: 265-269 Kingston Road, London SW19 3NW
Company Number: 09898282
For data protection enquiries, please contact us at the details above.
What Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Emergency contact details
- Next of kin information
- Photographs where relevant
- Communication records
Homeshare Application Information
We may collect information relevant to assessing suitability for the Homeshare service, including:
- Lifestyle information
- Household information
- Support needs
- Availability and preferences
- Reference information
- Interview and assessment notes
Health and Wellbeing Information
Where necessary to deliver our service safely and appropriately, we may collect:
- Health information
- Disability information
- Mobility information
- Information relating to support needs
- Risk assessment information
This information is treated as Special Category Data under UK GDPR.
Safeguarding Information
We may collect and record information relating to:
- Safeguarding concerns
- Risk assessments
- Incident reports
- Welfare concerns
- Allegations or investigations
Criminal Records Information
For Homesharers, volunteers and certain staff roles, we may process Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) information where permitted by law.
Website Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- IP address
- Browser information
- Device information
- Website usage information
- Cookie data
How We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
- Assess applications
- Match Householders and Homesharers
- Deliver and monitor Homeshare placements
- Manage ongoing support and reviews
- Safeguard participants
- Respond to enquiries
- Manage complaints and concerns
- Meet legal and regulatory obligations
- Recruit staff and volunteers
- Improve our services
- Maintain website security
Lawful Bases for Processing
We process personal information under one or more of the following lawful bases:
- Consent
- Contract
- Legal Obligation
- Legitimate Interests
- Vital Interests
Where Special Category Data is processed, we rely on additional conditions permitted under Article 9 UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
These may include:
- Explicit consent
- Social care purposes
- Safeguarding of individuals at risk
- Substantial public interest
Who We Share Information With
We only share information where necessary and lawful.
Depending on circumstances, information may be shared with:
- Local Authorities
- Adult Social Care Services
- NHS organisations
- General Practitioners
- Safeguarding agencies
- Police and emergency services
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Professional advisers
- Insurers
- IT and software providers
- Website hosting providers
We do not sell personal information.
Safeguarding
Where we believe an individual may be at risk of harm, neglect or abuse, we may share information without consent where permitted or required by law.
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable adults is a core part of our responsibilities.
How Long We Keep Information
We retain information only for as long as necessary.
Typical retention periods include:
- Homeshare participant records: 6 years after service ends
- Safeguarding records: 6 years after closure
- DBS records: As necessary for safeguarding and audit purposes
- Employee records: 3 years after employment ends
- Volunteer records: 3 years after volunteering ends
- Financial records: 6 years
Further information is available in our Data Retention Schedule.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of information in certain circumstances
- Restrict processing
- Object to processing
- Request transfer of your information where applicable
- Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon
- Request review of certain automated decisions
Requests should be submitted to:
Cookies and Website Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, analyse website performance and enhance user experience.
Further details can be found in our Cookie Policy.
Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information, including:
- Secure systems and passwords
- Access controls
- Staff training
- Confidentiality obligations
- Secure storage
- Cyber security measures
- Regular review of security arrangements
Data Breaches
We maintain procedures for identifying, investigating and responding to personal data breaches.
Where required by law, breaches will be reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and affected individuals.
Automated Decision-Making
Share and Care Homeshare does not ordinarily make decisions based solely on automated processing that produce legal or similarly significant effects on individuals.
Complaints
If you are concerned about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first:
Email: info@shareandcare.co.uk
In accordance with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, individuals may submit complaints directly to us regarding the handling of their personal information.
We will investigate and respond appropriately.
You also have the right to complain to:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our services.
The latest version will always be available on our website.
Review Date: June 2027
