Last Updated: 18.02.26

Mid-Ulster Victims’ Empowerment (MUVE) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and rights of all individuals who contact us for support. We understand that many of our service users are victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles, and may share deeply personal or sensitive information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data.

1. Who We Are
Mid-Ulster Victims’ Empowerment (MUVE)
MUVE is a registered Company limited by guarantee (NI618412) and is also registered with the Northern Ireland Charities Commission (NIC100714). A voluntary organisation providing support and advocacy for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

Address: 34 Fairhill Road, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. BT80 8AH
Phone: 028 8676 3349
Email: info@muve.org.uk

2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following information:

A. Personal Identification Data
Name
Address
Date of birth
Phone number/email
Preferred method of contact

B. Sensitive Personal Data
(Processed under Article 9 of UK GDPR with explicit consent)

• Information related to your experience of the Troubles
• Physical or mental health information (for counselling/therapy services)
• Welfare or financial circumstances
• Details regarding appeals, tribunals, or welfare claims
• Any information you choose to share during support sessions

C. Website Data

• IP address
• Cookies (where applicable)
• Information submitted through online enquiry forms

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To respond to enquiries and provide support services
• To assess eligibility for therapies, welfare advice, or advocacy
• To prepare and assist with welfare applications, appeals, and tribunal representation
• To coordinate counselling and complementary therapies
• To maintain accurate internal records
• To comply with legal or safeguarding requirements
• To improve our services and website functionality

We never use your personal information for marketing without your explicit consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

MUVE processes personal data under the following legal bases:

• Your Consent (Article 6(1)(a) & Article 9(2)(a))
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f)) — providing support to victims and survivors
• Legal Obligation (Article 6(1)(c)) — e.g., safeguarding, compliance with statutory requirements
• Vital Interests (Article 6(1)(d)) — where someone is at risk

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

Your information is kept:

• Securely and confidentially
• In password-protected digital systems and/or locked physical files
• Accessible only to authorised MUVE staff, welfare officers, counsellors, or approved partners

We take all reasonable steps to prevent:

• Unauthorised access
• Accidental loss
• Misuse or disclosure

6. Sharing Your Data

MUVE will only share your information when:

• You provide explicit consent, OR
• It is required for the delivery of services (e.g. therapists, welfare advisors), OR
• It is required by law (e.g. safeguarding concerns, court order)

We do not sell, trade, or share data with third parties for marketing or commercial activities.

7. Retention of Data

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary for:

• Providing support services
• Meeting legal obligations
• Internal auditing and accountability

Sensitive data is normally retained for 7 years, after which it is securely destroyed unless ongoing support requires otherwise.

8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
• Restrict processing
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Request a copy of your data
• Lodge a complaint with the Information
• Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

9. Children’s Information

MUVE does not knowingly collect data from individuals under 16 without parental or guardian consent.

10. Website & Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and user experience. You can disable cookies through your browser settings.

11. Contacting Us About Your Data

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact:

Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Mid-Ulster Victims’ Empowerment (MUVE)
Email: tina@muve.org.uk
Phone: 028 8676 3349

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website, dated at the top of the page.