Privacy policy

Witho Ltd (“Witho”, “we”) operates witho.co.uk, an introduction-only platform connecting families with vetted, self-employed local helpers for practical day-to-day support. We are the data controller for the information described here. Contact: hello@witho.co.uk.

What we collect

If you enquire about support: your name, email, phone number, postcode, the type of support you are interested in, and anything you tell us in your message. Your enquiry may include details about another person — for example, a parent you are arranging support for. Please share only what is needed, and make sure they are aware.

If you apply to become a helper: your name, contact details, postcode, availability, experience, right-to-work confirmation, and DBS status. The application form asks you to upload a copy of your photo ID and, if you have one, your DBS certificate, so we can verify you. These documents are stored securely while we carry out checks and are deleted once verification is complete, and in any event within 3 months of your application. We keep a record of the outcome of checks (verified or not, and dates), not the documents themselves.

Why we use it

We use your information to respond to enquiries and arrange introductions (legitimate interests and steps prior to a contract); to assess and vet helper applications (legitimate interests and legal obligation — information about criminal records is handled under Article 10 UK GDPR and Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 2018); to handle safeguarding concerns (legal obligation — where someone’s safety is at risk we may share information with local authority safeguarding teams or the police without consent); and to keep business records and defend legal claims (legitimate interests).

Health information

Families sometimes share health details so we can suggest the right helper — for example, mobility or memory difficulties. This is special category data. We process it only to arrange suitable support, on the basis of explicit consent or, where shared by a family member, only to the extent necessary. We never use it for anything else.

Who we share it with

When arranging an introduction we share only what each side needs; full contact details are shared once both sides agree to be introduced. We use service providers acting under our instructions: Tally (application forms, hosted in the EU), Airtable (our operations database), Vercel (website hosting), and Resend (email delivery). Each processes data only on our behalf, and we share information with authorities — safeguarding teams, police, HMRC, or regulators — where the law requires. We do not sell personal information or use it for third-party advertising.

How long we keep it

Enquiries that do not proceed: 12 months. Client records: the relationship plus 6 years. Unsuccessful helper applications: 6 months. Vetting outcome records for active helpers: registration plus 6 years. Safeguarding records are kept in line with statutory guidance and reviewed case by case.

Your rights

You can ask for a copy of your information, ask us to correct or delete it, object to or restrict our use of it, or ask for it in a portable format. Email hello@witho.co.uk and we will respond within one month. You can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk, 0303 123 1113), though we would appreciate the chance to put things right first.

Analytics

We only set an analytics cookie if you accept it via the banner on your first visit. If you decline, no analytics run. You can clear your browser data at any time to be asked again. Details are in our cookie policy.

Where data lives

Some of our providers, including Airtable and Vercel, are US companies and may store data in the United States. Where data leaves the UK, transfers are protected by the UK Extension to the EU–US Data Privacy Framework or UK-approved contractual safeguards (the International Data Transfer Agreement or Addendum). Tally hosts form data in the EU, covered by the UK’s adequacy decision.