Privacy Policy

Last updated: 28th Octover 2025

Introduction

[Doulas Without Borders is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of the mothers, families, volunteers, and partners we work with.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We provide voluntary doula and peer support services to expectant and new mothers, particularly those facing disadvantage or social isolation.

Who we are

Organisation name: Doulas Without Borders
Registered address: 1 Park Gardens, Erith, Kent DA8 1BU
Contact email: info@doulaswithoutborders.com

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact us using the details above.

What information we collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

For mothers and families using our service:

Name, estimated due date and contact details
Information about your pregnancy, birth, and health needs (only where relevant to support)
Information about your family situation or support needs
Notes relating to support sessions or referrals.

For volunteers:

Name, contact details, phone number
Application and training information
References and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
Availability and service records

For partners and referrers:

Name, role, and organisation contact details

We will only collect the minimum information necessary to provide our services effectively and safely.

How we collect information

We collect information:

Directly from you (via forms, email, phone, or during meetings)
From referral partners (with your consent)
From volunteers during recruitment and supervision processes.

How we use your information

We use your personal information to:

Provide and coordinate doula support services
Match mothers with suitable volunteers
Monitor and evaluate our services
Maintain safeguarding and safety records
Manage volunteers and training
Comply with legal and safeguarding obligations
Contact you about our work (with your consent)

We will never sell or share your information for marketing purposes.

Lawful basis for processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

Consent: when you agree for us to collect and use your information
Legitimate interest: to provide and manage our doula services
Legal obligation: where we must comply with safeguarding, charity, or health regulations
Vital interests: where processing is necessary to protect someone’s life or wellbeing.

Sharing your information

We may share information only when necessary and appropriate:

With referral agencies or healthcare professionals, but only with your consent (unless required by law or safeguarding duty)
With volunteers providing direct support, limited to what they need to know
With regulators or authorities if legally required (e.g., safeguarding, court orders)

All staff and volunteers are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Data storage and security

Your information is stored securely in password-protected digital systems and/or locked paper files.
We take all reasonable steps to ensure your data is safe, including restricted access, secure transfer, and data minimisation.

How long we keep your data

We keep personal data only as long as necessary:

Service users: up to 6 months after support ends (for safeguarding and reporting purposes)
Volunteers: up to 6 years after leaving
Referrals and partners: as long as the relationship is active

After this time, data will be securely deleted or destroyed.

Your rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request erasure of your data (“the right to be forgotten”)
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you are unhappy with how your data is handled:
www.ico.org.uk

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website or by request.

Contact us

If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact:
Email: info@doulaswithoutborders,com
Address: 1 Park Gardens, Erith, Kent DA8 1BU