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Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 13, 2025

At Brightstead, we recognize that privacy isn’t just a legal obligation—it's a matter of trust. This policy explains how we handle personal information, with care for the individuals and communities we serve.

Quick Summary

We care about your privacy. Here’s a simple explanation of what we do with your information:

  • What we collect: We collect only what’s needed, like your name, address, income info, or documents you upload when applying for help.
  • Who sees it: Only the people who need to—like the organization helping you—can see your info. We do not sell your information or use it for ads.
  • Why we collect it: We use your info to process your application and make Brightstead work safely and smoothly.
  • How we protect it: We store your info securely and follow good safety practices.
  • Your choices: You can ask to see your info, fix it, or have it deleted. Just email us at hello@brightstead.care.

To learn more, please read the full Privacy Policy below.

1. What Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

  • Information you provide: Such as names, contact details, household information, income details, and uploaded documents (e.g. ID, lease agreements) when submitting an application.
  • Provider information: Names, work email addresses, organization affiliations, and communication preferences for authorized staff using the platform.
  • Technical data: Such as IP address, browser type, and usage patterns collected automatically for security and performance monitoring.

2. Our Privacy Principles

Brightstead is built on trust. We follow a set of privacy principles that guide how we design and operate our platform:

  • Respect for dignity and consent: We aim to give individuals control over their information and use plain language to explain how data is used.
  • Data minimization: We collect only the information necessary to support service delivery and improve platform functionality.
  • Purpose limitation: We use personal data only for the purposes stated in this policy and do not use it for marketing or unrelated profiling.
  • Security and confidentiality: We apply strong technical and organizational safeguards to protect data against unauthorized access or misuse.
  • Transparency and accountability: We publish clear privacy policies and review our practices regularly to ensure alignment with legal and ethical standards.
  • Right to be heard: We provide clear contact information and procedures if individuals have questions or concerns about their data.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Support the application and review process for social service programs
  • Enable providers to manage services and communicate with applicants
  • Maintain the security and functionality of our platform
  • Improve our services and troubleshoot issues
  • Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your information for advertising or marketing purposes.

4. How We Share Information

We may share your information:

  • With the service provider(s) responsible for the program you’re applying to
  • With trusted vendors who help us operate Brightstead (e.g. hosting, email, document processing), under strict data protection agreements
  • As required by law, subpoena, or legal process

5. Data Security

We use industry-standard security practices to protect your information, including encryption in transit, access controls, and secure infrastructure. However, no system can be guaranteed 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or to comply with applicable law and reporting requirements.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information
  • Request deletion of your information, where permitted by law

You can make these requests by contacting us at hello@brightstead.care.

8. Children’s Privacy

Brightstead is not intended for use by children under 16. If we become aware that we’ve collected personal data from a child without appropriate consent, we will delete that information.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we’ll notify you on our website. Your continued use of Brightstead means you accept the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this policy or your data, email us at hello@brightstead.care.