Privacy Policy

At Central Family Mediation, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the families we serve. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our mediation services or visit our website.

Data Collection

Because of the nature of family mediation, we may collect and process the following:

• Identity Data: Names, dates of birth, and relationship status.

• Contact Data: Addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

• Financial Data: Details of assets, debts, and income (often required for financial mediation).

• Special Category Data: Information regarding health, racial or ethnic origin, or details concerning children.

• Technical Data: IP address and browser type when you visit our website.

How We Collect Your Data

We collect data through:

• Direct Interaction: When you fill out an enquiry form, attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), or participate in sessions.

• Referrals: Information provided by your solicitor or the court.

• Automated Technologies: Cookies on our website that help us understand how visitors use our site.

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following legal grounds:

• Contractual Necessity: To provide the mediation services you have requested.

• Legal Obligation: To comply with professional standards set by the Family Mediation Council (FMC) or court requirements.

• Legitimate Interests: To manage our business and respond to enquiries.

• Consent: For specific sensitive data, we will ask for your explicit consent during our initial meeting.

Confidentiality & Disclosure

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of mediation. We will never sell your data. We only share information with:

• The Other Party: Only as agreed upon during the mediation process (e.g., financial disclosure).

• Professional Advisors: Your solicitors (if authorized by you).

• Legal Requirement: If we are concerned about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult, or if required by a court order.

Data Security

We have put in place high-level security measures to prevent your personal data from being accidentally lost, used, or accessed in an unauthorized way. This includes encrypted digital storage and secure disposal of paper files.

Data Retention

We generally keep mediation files for 1 year following the conclusion of your case, in accordance with professional indemnity insurance and regulatory guidelines. After this period, files are securely destroyed.

Your Legal Rights

Under data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.

• Correct any inaccuracies in your data.

• Request Erasure of your data (subject to legal retention requirements).

• Withdraw Consent at any time.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact: Data Protection Lead: katie@centralfamilymediation.com