Last updated: 13 June 2025

Next review: 30 May 2026

Who we are and what we do

We are the resettlement team within the Stronger Communities Directorate.

Waltham Forest Council provides support to individuals who seek sanctuary in our local authority We Support refugees who have been provided with sanctuary under: The Home for Ukraine Scheme. 

We offer sponsors and guests a comprehensive package of support following the government guidance. the data is  provided to us by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government. The resettlement Service collects data to ensure that all processes are completed, and services delivered, so we can provide support and assistance to people who are resettled in our Local Authority.

If you have questions regarding this service or our privacy practices, you can contact us in writing at the address below:

Contact us by post

Please write to:

The Resettlement team

Waltham Forest Council
Waltham Forest Town Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF

Face-to-face meetings are by appointment only and can be arranged with the service.

Information we hold about you

In order to meet the council obligations Under the Home of Ukraine scheme we will use the data provided to us by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to carry out checks and provide support.

This information is required to ensure individuals are supported appropriately. 

The information we collect:  

Sponsor 

  • Full Name
  • Data of birth
  • Gender
  • Contact Email
  • Contact Mobile
  • Accommodation address 

Guest 

  • Guest full Name
  • Data of birth
  • Gender
  • Contact Email
  • Contact Mobile
  • Visa status

Why we need your information and how we use it

The information is needed as part of the Council's requirements to deliver the Home for Ukraine Scheme.

The data is collected and processed to enable the local authority to carry out its obligations to under the Home for Ukraine scheme. We collect the minimum amount of data that is needed to refer applicants to the relevant services and proceed with the prescribed support plans. 

The lawful basis for the processing

The lawful purpose for data collection and use is public task and consent.

Who your information will be shared with (if applicable)

Your information will be shared within the council under the legal basis of public task for the following: 

  • To carry out the DBS checks
  • To carry out the housing check
  • To administer a ‘thank you’ payment for the sponsor.
  • To carry out extra checks on sponsor when the guest is under 18 

We may share your information with other organisations with your consent should you wish to be referred to external agencies for additional support. 

  • NHS
  • DWP
  • Education partner – ESOL providers
  • Housing support agency
  • Citizens Advice.
  • Relevant Charities

How long we will keep your information

We usually provide support to individuals as long as the Home for Ukraine scheme is active

We will only retain the data for as Long as necessary in line with the council's retention policy. This is usually 6 plus 1 years from the date of last processing.

Our Data Protection Officer

Our Data Protection Officer is Mark Hynes, you can contact him by email at data.protectionofficer@walthamforest.gov.uk

Protecting your information

Please see the relevant section of the Corporate Privacy Notice.

Your information choice and rights

Please see the relevant section of the Corporate Privacy Notice.

Complaints and contact details

These are included in the relevant section of the Corporate Privacy Notice.

Information Commissioner’s Office

If we’re unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)