Fostering Independence Team (FIT)
Last Updated: 2026
Fostering Independence Team (FIT) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of children, foster carers, families, employees, partners, and visitors to our website.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
FIT understands that personal data must be handled responsibly and securely. We take our responsibilities seriously and ensure that all personal information is processed lawfully, fairly and transparently.
Fostering Independence Team (FIT) is a fostering service operating in South Wales that provides support, training and services for foster carers and children in care.
For the purposes of data protection law, FIT is the Data Controller responsible for the personal data collected through our services and website.
We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:
• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Date of birth
• Employment history
• Qualifications
• References
• Application details for becoming a foster carer
• Household information
• Background checks required for safeguarding
• Training and support records
• IP address
• Browser type
• Pages visited
• Time spent on pages
• Cookies and analytics data
• Messages sent through our website contact forms
• Email communications
• Phone enquiries
Due to the nature of fostering services, FIT may process sensitive personal data where necessary. This may include:
• Health information
• Criminal background checks
• Safeguarding information
• Information relating to children and families
This data is processed strictly in accordance with safeguarding obligations and legal requirements.
We collect personal data through:
• Website enquiry forms
• Foster carer applications
• Email or telephone communications
• Meetings and consultations
• Training and support programmes
• Website analytics and cookies
We only collect information necessary for providing our services or responding to enquiries.
Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases to process personal data:
When individuals provide information voluntarily through forms or enquiries.
For managing enquiries, improving services, and maintaining communication with foster carers and stakeholders.
For safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and statutory requirements related to fostering services.
Where processing is necessary to deliver fostering services or agreements with carers or partners.
Personal information may be used for the following purposes:
• Responding to enquiries
• Processing foster carer applications
• Supporting children and foster families
• Providing training and support services
• Improving our website and services
• Communicating important updates
• Meeting safeguarding and legal obligations
We ensure that personal data is only used for legitimate and clearly defined purposes.
FIT may share personal data with trusted third parties where necessary to provide our services or comply with legal obligations.
These may include:
• Local authorities
• Regulatory bodies
• Safeguarding partners
• Professional advisors
• Technology and hosting providers
All third parties are required to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with data protection legislation.
We do not sell personal data to third parties.
The FIT website has been designed and developed with security and privacy in mind.
Technical security measures are implemented to protect personal data and reduce risks associated with unauthorised access.
Security measures include:
• Secure website hosting
• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) for administrative access
• Regular system monitoring and updates
• Access controls for sensitive systems
The website infrastructure and cybersecurity practices supporting the platform have been developed by Synconova, a cybersecurity and digital innovation company, ensuring that modern security standards are implemented to safeguard user information.
Despite these safeguards, no internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users are encouraged to take reasonable precautions when submitting information online.
Personal data will only be retained for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information and the services provided.
Once data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.
Under UK GDPR, individuals have the following rights:
You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
You may request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
You may request that personal data be deleted where legally permissible.
You may request limitations on how your personal data is processed.
You may request your data in a structured and commonly used format.
You may object to certain types of data processing.
To exercise these rights, please contact FIT using the contact details provided below.
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and understand how visitors use our website.
Cookies help us:
• Analyse website traffic
• Improve user experience
• Maintain website performance
Users may choose to disable cookies through their browser settings if they prefer.
Our website may contain links to external websites. FIT is not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.
Due to the nature of fostering services, FIT may handle information relating to children. This data is processed with the highest level of confidentiality and in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities and applicable legal requirements.
FIT takes appropriate organisational and technical measures to protect personal data against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure or alteration.
These measures include secure systems, restricted access controls, and staff awareness of data protection responsibilities.
FIT may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal requirements, operational changes or improvements to our services.
The most recent version will always be published on our website.
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal data is handled, please contact:
Fostering Independence Team (FIT)
South Wales, United Kingdom
Email: info@fitfostering.co.uk
Phone: 07838 534521
If you are concerned about how your personal data has been handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK data protection regulator.
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://ico.org.uk
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