My Big Buddy – GDPR Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 2025

1. Introduction

My Big Buddy is committed to protecting your personal data and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and store your data, and outlines your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. The Data We Collect

We collect and process personal data from:
– Clients (families seeking Buddies/Mannies)
– Candidates (Buddies/Mannies applying to be placed)

For clients, we may collect:
– Names, addresses, contact details
– Family and household information
– Details about children (ages, needs, preferences)
– Service preferences and booking history

For candidates, we may collect:
– Names, addresses, contact details, passport, driving license, 2x proof of address
– CV, employment history, references
– DBS information, safeguarding/first aid certificates
– Interview notes and profile information
– Preferences for roles, locations, hours, etc.

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:
– Provide tailored placement services
– Assess suitability of Buddies for specific families
– Communicate about roles, interviews, and matches
– Maintain administrative and compliance records
– Meet our legal obligations

We only collect data relevant to the service we provide, and we do not use it for marketing without your explicit consent.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:
– Contract: To provide our placement service to clients and candidates
– Consent: Where we request and obtain your clear agreement
– Legal obligation: To comply with safeguarding and right-to-work checks
– Legitimate interest: To ensure quality of service and appropriate matching

5. Data Sharing

We only share personal data where necessary, including:
– With families or Buddies as part of the matching process (always with your knowledge)
– With professional service providers (e.g. payroll, legal) where necessary
– When required by law or for safeguarding reasons

We never sell or trade your personal data.

6. Data Storage and Security

We store data securely using password-protected digital systems. Access is restricted to authorised staff only. Paper records are minimised and securely stored or shredded.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:
– For candidates: up to 2 years after last contact
– For clients: up to 6 years for tax and legal purposes
– You can ask us to delete your data at any time (see Section 8)

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
– Access your data
– Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
– Request data deletion (where applicable)
– Object to or restrict processing
– Withdraw consent at any time
– Lodge a complaint with the ICO (www.ico.org.uk)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at office@mybigbuddy.com .

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our services. The latest version will always be available on request or via our website.

10. Contact Us

For any questions about this policy or your data, please contact: office@mybigbuddy.com