Data protection and confidentiality
During your volunteering you will come across personal and sensitive information about individuals as part of the support you will offer. We want to make sure that all information stays safe and confidential in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR Regulations 2018.
We want you to treat other people’s personal information in the same way you would want yours to be treated. If you do acquire information about a person you may be supporting (for example, names, addresses and possible medical information), we ask that you maintain confidentiality and do not discuss or disclose any data or information with anyone outside of Royal Voluntary Service, or with anyone who doesn’t need to know.
Taking photographs of people is also considered personal data. We ask volunteers not to take photos of people being supported you or other organisations since this could compromise someone’s confidentiality.
Do
- Keep any data secure and treat other people’s information in the same way you would want yours to be treated.
- If you think there has been a mistake or breach of data protection tell Royal Voluntary Service about it as soon as possible so we can manage this.
Don't
- Discuss any information or data with anyone outside of Royal Voluntary Service or with anyone who doesn’t need to know.
- Leave any messages on answer phones with any personal information if you are not sure who is going to be able to hear them. Ensure others cannot hear you and avoid calls on loudspeaker if you live with others.
- Take photos of the people you or other organisations are supporting.
Withholding your phone number
We recommend that you call the person you are supporting from a withheld number. This is to protect you from unsolicited calls and to ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To withhold your number on individual calls just dial 141 before the telephone number you want to call.
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Page last reviewed: 16 November 2023
