The use and disclosure of personal data is governed in the United Kingdom by the Data Protection Act 2018 (the Act). In order to effectively deliver our services North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) may need to process your personal data.

National Fire Cadets is a recognised long term educational programme open to young people between the ages of 13 and 18.  There is a variation in NWFRS as we have agreed to expand the age gap to accept those from 11 years old.

The scheme provides young people with an opportunity to develop a variety of skills which includes teamwork, problem solving and communication and prepares them for adult life.  The programme enhances citizenship values through a varied range of activities. Cadets will interact within their community delivering a fire safety and prevention message and the consequences of engaging in anti-social behaviour or criminal offences such as misusing the 999 system and arson.

Why do we need to process your information?

We have obligations under the Fire and Rescue Service Act 2004 which include the promotion of fire safety through provision of information and advice and safeguarding. In order to meet these requirements we offer a cadet scheme to teach and engage with young people in the community.  In order to safely manage the administration of the cadet scheme we will collect and hold personal information.

What types of personal data do we process?

We will hold personal details of the cadet including name, address, telephone number, date of birth and an image.  We will also hold some data regarding religion, ethnicity and any medical conditions including any disability.  In order to manage our engagement we may also process details of any special educational or behavioural needs.  In order to deliver the programme we will keep a record of activities engaged in (which may include photographs or moving footage) and clothing sizes for uniform and any protective equipment. As this scheme relates to young persons we will also process the contact details of the individuals parent/guardian(s).

Where do we get the personal data we process?

Information may be provided by you, members of your family or other referring agencies.

What is our lawful basis for processing personal data?

Our lawful basis for processing your data for this purpose is found in the UK GDPR Article 6(1)(c) Necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject. This is because we are required to provide fire safety advice and the Cadet programme is one of the ways in which we deliver this. Any special category data we capture is also processed under Article 9 2(g) substantial public interest on the basis of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

What security measures do we use when processing your personal data?

We take our data processing responsibilities seriously and only record the minimal amount of information necessary for the required purpose.  Where your information is captured in writing it will be held until it is transferred to our computer system before being securely destroyed.  Information held on our computer systems is secured with

What disclosures do we make of your personal data?

We may share the data we hold with other agencies that we believe are most appropriate to assist you based upon our assessment.  This may include the local authority who can assist individuals regarding falls at home, social care and trading standards issues.  We may also share information with North Wales Police where we feel it is necessary for them to provide support or assistance regarding crime, anti-social behaviour, vulnerability or safeguarding.

In most cases we are unlikely to share your personal information and you will be made aware of a referral if we do, unless it is not in your best interests to do so when considering yours or others safety.

How long do we retain your personal data?

Any paper records collected will be securely destroyed once the information has been transferred to our computer systems.  Our computer systems will maintain this data for as long as is necessary to fulfil our obligations.

What are your rights over your personal data we process, and how can you exercise them?

Your rights are explained fully in our general privacy notice which you can find here

How can I raise a concern about the use of my personal data?

You can contact our Data Protection Officer if you have any questions or concerns about how we process your personal data.

Post:

Data Protection Officer
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service HQ
Ffordd Salesbury
St Asaph Business Park
St Asaph
Denbighshire
LL 17 0JJ

Email: dpo@northwalesfire.gov.wales

If you remain unsatisfied you have the right to contact the Information Commissioner

Information Commissioner

The Information Commissioner is responsible for ensuring we meet our obligations and can be contacted in the following ways:

By post:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Online at: Information Commissioner's Office

Date of last update

We last updated this privacy notice on 13th February 2025. We keep this privacy policy under regular review and update it if any of the information in it changes.