The Fosterline service is delivered by The Fostering Network on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE). This Privacy Statement explains how we look after your personal information when you contact Fosterline, and what your rights are. It sits alongside The Fostering Network’s main Privacy Policy.
Who is responsible for your information?
The Department for Education (DfE) is the Controller for the Fosterline service. The Fostering Network is the Processor and processes your information only to deliver the service on the DfE’s behalf. In some cases, such as when required by law, The Fostering Network may act as an Independent Controller.
What information we collect
When you contact Fosterline, we may collect: your name, address, email, phone number, details about your enquiry, and information about the help or advice you need. Sometimes sensitive information may be shared; where possible, references to other individuals (e.g., children) are anonymised.
Why we collect your information
We only use your information to:
- Understand your enquiry
- Provide advice and support
- Record what advice was given
- Follow up with you where appropriate
- Create anonymised reports for the DfE to help improve the service
How we collect your information
We collect information directly from you when you contact us by phone, email or online enquiry forms.
How long we keep your information
We keep your information for up to three years or until the contract with the DfE ends, whichever comes first. At this point, your data is either securely deleted or returned to the DfE.
Where your information is stored
Your information is stored securely in secure industry leading systems and infrastructure with data centres located in the UK.
How we protect your information
We use strong security measures such as:
- Encrypted and secure systems
- Password protection and multi‑factor authentication
- Strict access controls
- Confidentiality agreements
- Mandatory staff training
Sharing your information
We do not share your information unless the DfE instructs us to or we are legally required to (e.g., safeguarding). We do not use subcontractors without DfE approval and we never sell your information.
International transfers
We do not transfer your information outside the UK (or EU where relevant) unless the DfE approves it and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Your data protection rights
You have rights over your information, including requesting a copy, asking for corrections, deletion, or restricting or objecting to its use. For Fosterline, the DfE handles all rights requests. To make a request, email [email protected]. The Fostering Network supports the DfE in responding.
If there is a data breach
If something happens that affects your personal information, we inform the DfE immediately and work with them to investigate and resolve the issue.
Contacting us
For general data protection queries to The Fostering Network: [email protected]
For your personal data rights: [email protected]
Updates to this notice
We may update this Privacy Statement if the law changes, the DfE updates requirements or the service changes.
Last updated: March 2026
