Terms & Conditions

HEALTHWATCH BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL 
WEBSITE TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

1. About Us

1.1 This website, www.healthwatchbsol.org.uk, is operated by Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull.
1.2 Healthwatch Birmingham is the legal entity behind Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull (Registered in England, Company No. 08440757). Registered address: 4th Floor, Latham House, 33-34 Paradise Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, B1 2AJ
1.3 Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull acts as the independent consumer champion for health and social care. We do not deliver clinical services and are not responsible for the actions or decisions of any health or social care provider referenced on this site.

2. Definitions

2.1 In these Terms:
• “Website” refers to www.healthwatchbsol.org.uk
• “We/Us/Our” refers to Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull
• “You/User” means any person accessing or using the Website
• “Content” means any review, comment, message or material you submit
• “Service Provider” refers to any health or social care organisation mentioned by users
• “Feedback Centre” means the review and rating function available on the website

3. Acceptance of Terms

3.1 By accessing or using this Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
3.2 If you do not agree with these Terms, you must stop using the Website immediately.
3.3 These Terms incorporate our Privacy Policy, Accessibility Statement and Complaints Policy.
3.4 When submitting a review or providing feedback, you will be asked to confirm acceptance of these Terms (e.g., via a checkbox).

4. Access and Availability

4.1 We aim to maintain continuous access to our website but availability is not guaranteed.
4.2 We may suspend, withdraw or amend any part of the Website without notice.
4.3 We are not liable for Website downtime or service interruption.

5. Website Content and Reliance

5.1 All content on the Website is for general information only.
5.2 It is not legal, clinical, or professional advice.
5.3 You must not rely on this Website as a substitute for professional advice.
5.4 We are not responsible for any loss arising from reliance on Website content.

6. Feedback Centre – Use, Moderation and Publication

6.1 Purpose
6.1.1 The Feedback Centre allows users to leave reviews about their own experience or the experience of someone they care for, with a health or social care provider.
6.1.2 It is not a formal complaints route. Providers are not obliged to respond via this platform.

6.2 Moderation
6.2.1 All reviews undergo moderation before publication.
6.2.2 Reviews may be edited, delayed, or rejected to ensure compliance with these Terms.
6.2.3 We may request additional information before publishing a review; if it is not provided within a reasonable timeframe, the submission may be rejected.
6.2.4 In line with UK consumer protection legislation, we may take reasonable steps to verify that reviews are genuine and not misleading.

6.3 Reasons Content May Not Be Published
Reviews may be edited, removed or rejected if they include:
• Services not located within Birmingham or Solihull
• Names of staff or identifiable individuals
• Personal data (e.g., date of birth, appointment times)
• Details of ongoing investigations
• Offensive, discriminatory or threatening language
• Defamatory, unverified or false allegations
• Clinical advice, product promotion or advertisements
• Indications of serious risk, neglect or abuse
• Staff reviewing their own workplace (unless treated there personally)
• Whistleblowing information unsuitable for public publication
• Submissions from users under 16 without guardian consent

6.4 Safeguarding and Serious Concerns
6.4.1 If a review suggests risk of harm, abuse, neglect, or severe care failings, we may:
• contact the author for clarification
• delay or withhold publication
• raise safeguarding alerts with statutory bodies (e.g., police, Adult Social Care)
6.4.2 We may also signpost vulnerable users to appropriate support organisations.
6.5 Archiving and Data Use
6.5.1 All reviews (including unpublished ones) are stored securely.
6.5.2 Review content may be used anonymously in research, reports and statutory Healthwatch functions.

7. User Responsibilities and Online Conduct

7.1 You must only describe genuine experiences and clearly state your relationship to the person involved, where applicable.
7.2 You must not identify staff, patients, or individuals.
7.3 You must not include personal contact details.
7.4 You must not use the platform for abuse, misinformation or malicious intent.
7.5 Anonymous submissions are permitted, but anonymity of others must be respected.
7.6 You are legally responsible for the content you submit.
7.7 You agree to indemnify Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull for any losses or legal actions arising from your submissions.

8. Intellectual Property

8.1 All Website content is protected by copyright.
8.2 You may reproduce content for non-commercial research, study or internal organisational use if:
• accurate
• not misleading
• properly acknowledged
8.3 Commercial use is prohibited without permission
8.4 The Healthwatch logo is a registered trademark and must not be used without
permission from Healthwatch England.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

9.1 We process personal data according to our Privacy Policy.
9.2 Information you provide must be accurate.
9.3 Personal contact details will not be released except where required by law, safeguarding duties, or serious risk concerns
9.4 This Website uses essential cookies necessary for basic functionality and security. We may use simple, non-tracking analytics cookies to understand Website usage, which are permitted without consent under UK law. Any advertising or cross-site tracking cookies will only operate if you give explicit consent.

10. Security, Viruses and Misuse

10.1 You must not introduce viruses, malware or malicious code.
10.2 You must not attempt unauthorised access to the Website or its servers.
10.3 Any such actions may be criminal offences and will be reported.
10.4 We are not liable for harm caused by viruses or harmful material arising from your access to use of, or interaction with the Website or any content obtained from it.

11. External Links

11.1 External links are provided for information only.
11.2 We are not responsible for the content, reliability or availability of external sites.
11.3 Any reference to third-party information does not imply endorsement.

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude liability for:
• loss of income, business or profits
• loss of contracts or savings
• loss of data or goodwill
• wasted staff or management time
• indirect or consequential losses

12.2 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for:
• death or personal injury caused by negligence
• fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• any liability that cannot legally be excluded

13. Changes to These Terms

13.1 We may amend these Terms at any time.
13.2 Continued use of the Website indicates acceptance of updated Terms.
13.3 Users should check this page periodically for changes.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

14.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
14.2 The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

15. Contact Us

15.1 For any concerns regarding the Terms, please contact: info@healthwatchbsol.org.uk

Last updated: February 2026.