Privacy policy

Ahead of the Game keeps information about its members, service users, employees, volunteers, and supporters so that we can operate effectively and efficiently for the benefit of those we provide services to.

What does this privacy notice cover?

This privacy notice sets out what information we collect from you and why, how we process it, and how we store it securely. We’ll keep this notice updated so that you can be confident when sharing your information with us that it will only be used for the purposes outlined here.

We aim to protect all the information we hold in line with legal requirements and to maintain high standards of confidentiality, integrity, and availability at all times.

We may obtain information by phone, text, email, online, and other methods like application forms and references. When collecting data, we will ensure that individuals:

Understand why the information is needed and what it will be used for.
Give consent, wherever possible in writing, for their data to be used.

Data Controller

When we process your personal data, Ahead of the Game is described as the ‘data controller’ under data protection law.

Our contact details are:

Ahead of the Game
Ara, 11-12 King’s Court, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4EF
Email: youth@recovery4all.co.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this statement, information we hold about you, or our overall approach to data protection and confidentiality.

How we collect information from you

Ahead of the Game collects information from you via a variety of sources, including when you:

Make an enquiry about our services.
Apply to work or volunteer with us.
Call, write to, email, or meet with us.
Respond to a survey.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Visit our offices.
Use our social media sites or website (see our Cookie Policy).

We may also take general photographs at our events for marketing and publicity purposes. However, photographs of individuals will only be used with your consent.

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as referral organisations, funders, or partner agencies.

Who we collect personal information about

People who use our services – including current, former, and potential users accessing our educational and support services.
Staff – including current, former, and potential staff, Board of Trustees, apprentices, and volunteers.
Anyone who makes a complaint or enquiry – including visitors to our website and offices.

Data we collect

When you apply to use one of our services, we may ask for:

Your full name (and proof of identity/photo ID).
Your date of birth.
Your contact details (phone, email, or correspondence address).
Details of anyone authorised to act on your behalf (if applicable).
Information about your educational background and support needs.
Information about your health or wellbeing where relevant.

If you provide us with personal information relating to members of your family or carers, we will assume that you do so with their knowledge and consent.

It is important that you notify us of any changes to your personal information.

How we use personal information and the lawful basis for processing

Contractual Necessity

Most of the information we require from you is used to enter into or manage an agreement between you and Ahead of the Game. Please read any agreements carefully for specific details, as ‘performance of a contract’ is usually the lawful basis for processing your information.

The processing we conduct includes:

Ensuring we are able to provide the support and services that you need.
Complying with relevant legislation and regulation.

Legitimate Interests

In some cases, we rely on ‘legitimate interest’ as our lawful basis for processing data. This may include:

Preventing and detecting crime.
Conducting research and statistical analysis to improve our services.
Evaluating our performance.

When your personal data is used for statistical or research purposes, it is anonymised or pseudonymised.

Consent

We seek your consent to hold certain personal information, including special categories of data (such as health or ethnicity). We will always offer a ‘prefer not to answer’ option where appropriate.

Other Lawful Bases

In exceptional circumstances, we may process your data under ‘compliance with a legal obligation’ or to ‘protect vital interests’ where necessary.

Sharing your information

We keep your personal information secure and confidential. However, we may share information with third parties and other agencies, including local authorities, social services, the Police, and funders, where it is in your or the public’s interest or required by law.

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

How long we keep information

Information will be kept for as long as our work with you is active and for a period not exceeding six years afterwards.

Your rights

You have the following rights under data protection law:

Right to be Informed
Right of Access
Right to Rectification
Right to Erasure
Right to Restrict Processing
Right to Data Portability
Right to Object
Rights in relation to automated decision-making and profiling

You can request access to your data by contacting us at youth@recovery4all.co.uk.

Security of information

Ahead of the Game follows best-practice cyber security standards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. All data is held within the European Economic Area.

Changes to our privacy notice

This privacy notice will be updated periodically to reflect changes in our operations or data protection legislation. We encourage you to review this notice from time to time.

Contacting us

For any queries about this privacy statement, please contact us at: Email: youth@recovery4all.co.uk
Postal Address: FAO Data Protection Officer, Ara, King’s Court, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4EF