Privacy policy: Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Please note that while every effort will be made to ensure this privacy notice is accurate and up to date this is an evolving situation and we may have to make changes to the use of data under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme at short notice in order to comply with Government guidance.

Why we need your information

Central Bedfordshire Council is responsible for delivering aspects of the Homes for Ukraine scheme set up by the Government in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • undertaking safeguarding and accommodation checks on sponsors and the properties offered
  • processing DBS checks for anyone aged 16 years or older living in the accommodation
  • processing interim payments to guests
  • administering payments to sponsors
  • supporting guests with benefit assessments and job-seeking
  • assisting guests to apply for school placements
  • rematching guests with other sponsors where the initial placement breaks down.

In order to deliver these services, we will need to process the personal data of both sponsors and guests. The information we will use may include (but is not limited to) guests:

  • name
  • address
  • contact details including telephone number, email address
  • date of birth
  • visa / passport Information
  • disability and health information
  • ethnicity
  • the name of a school any children will be attending
  • religion
  • any other information which is necessary to fulfil our statutory responsibilities

Sponsors (including any individuals aged 16 years or older living at the address where guests will be hosted):

  • name
  • address
  • date of birth
  • contact details including; telephone number, email address
  • bank details to process the monthly thank you payment
  • information relating to safeguarding and accommodation checks
  • any other information which is necessary to fulfil our statutory responsibilities

Information may be provided by guests and sponsors themselves or by the Home Office or Department for Levelling Up and Communities.

Who do we share your information with?

Information will be shared within Central Bedfordshire Council with individuals and teams who need the information in order to deliver services to Sponsors and Guests and fulfil our statutory obligations.

Information may also be shared with the Home Office or Department for Levelling Up and Communities, with schools, the NHS or other organisations who we work with to deliver services where it is necessary and lawful for us to do so.

We may also share your personal information with other third parties where it is lawful for us to do so. This may include, for example, sharing:

  • in order to find and stop crime and fraud
  • if there are serious risks to the public, our staff or other professionals
  • to protect a child or vulnerable adults

How the law allows us to use your personal information

Central Bedfordshire Council will process your information on the basis that it is necessary for us to do so in order to fulfil our statutory responsibilities and undertake a task in the public interest (delivering the Homes for Ukraine scheme).

‘Special category data’ (information which reveals the racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, trade union membership, religious or philosophical beliefs, health or sexual orientation or genetic or biometric data) is processed on the basis that it is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest (statutory and government purposes).

In some cases, information may be shared for other reasons, such as to protect the vital interests of an individual or with the consent of the individual concerned.

How long will information be kept?

Information relating to safeguarding and accommodation checks on sponsors will be retained for six years from the date checks are undertaken.

All other information relating to the scheme will be kept for as long as the scheme is active or for a longer period, subject to further guidance from central government.

For more information about how the Council uses your data, your rights and who to contact if you have any concerns please see the Council’s main privacy notice.