MAX Card Privacy Notice Delivered by Forward Carers CIC
Who we are
MAX Card is delivered by Forward Carers CIC, a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to supporting families and creating inclusive, Carer Friendly Communities. Forward Carers is registered in England and acts in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
How the MAX Card scheme works
The MAX Card is delivered through a network of approved distributors (e.g. local authorities, schools, charities). Distributors identify eligible families, process applications, and act as the Data Controller for applicant data. Forward Carers manages the national scheme, including card production, distribution, partnerships, and system oversight.
What information we collect
Forward Carers does not routinely collect or hold personal data about children, young people, or families applying for a MAX Card. This information is collected and managed by distributors, who act as the Data Controller.
However, where a MAX Card is issued through a Forward Carers delivered service (including Birmingham Carers Hub, Walsall Carers Hub, Sandwell Carers Service, and Dudley Adult Wellbeing and Young Carers Service), Forward Carers may act as the Data Controller and hold relevant personal data in line with its organisational privacy policy.
Outside of these areas, Forward Carers processes limited data necessary to operate the scheme. This includes distributor or organisation contact details, card order information (such as volumes and delivery address), transaction and invoicing data, and personal data provided where individuals contact us directly. This may include names, email addresses, and the content of enquiries submitted via email, website forms, or chatbot interactions.
We do not routinely receive or store child or young person names, eligibility or diagnostic information, or detailed Carer or family records unless acting as the Data Controller as outlined above.
How we use your information
We use the limited data we process to fulfil distributor orders and manage card production, provide support to distributors and venues, respond to enquiries submitted via email, website, or chatbot, monitor scheme performance using aggregated and non-identifiable data, and maintain financial, operational, audit, and quality assurance records. We do not sell data or use it for unrelated marketing.
Legal basis
We process data under legitimate interests to deliver and manage the MAX Card scheme, contractual obligations to fulfil orders and agreements with distributors, and consent where individuals contact us directly. Where applicable, we also process data to comply with legal obligations.
Sharing your information
We only share data where necessary and securely, including with printing and fulfilment providers, IT system providers supporting secure data management, and delivery partners where required for operational purposes. All partners are subject to appropriate data processing agreements and are required to meet UK GDPR standards. We do not receive or share personal application data held by distributors.
Data security and retention
Data is stored securely within controlled systems with appropriate technical and organisational safeguards in place, including access controls and restricted permissions. We retain data only for as long as necessary to fulfil operational, contractual, and legal obligations, including financial reporting and audit requirements.
Roles and responsibilities
Distributors act as Data Controllers for applicant data, including eligibility and personal details. Forward Carers CIC acts as a Data Processor for operational delivery of the scheme and as a Data Controller for limited data it collects directly, such as enquiries and orders. Formal data sharing and processing agreements are in place where required to ensure compliance and accountability.
Website use and cookies
When you visit the MAX Card website, we may collect limited technical information automatically, including IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited. This data is used to ensure the website functions correctly, to understand how the site is used, and to improve user experience. We use cookies to support website functionality and performance, including essential cookies required for the website to operate and analytics cookies to understand usage. Where non-essential cookies are used, consent is obtained via a cookie banner. Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.
Your rights
If you have applied for a MAX Card, you should contact your distributor in the first instance regarding your data. For data held by Forward Carers, you have the right to access your data, request correction or deletion, restrict or object to processing, and request data portability where applicable. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Contact
For queries about this notice or data held by Forward Carers: info@mymaxcard.co.uk
This notice will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains accurate and compliant.