Privacy Policy & GDPR Compliance

Introduction

Hounslow Christian Fellowship (HCF) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information.

1. What Information Do We Collect?

We may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Identity Information: Name, title, date of birth, and contact details (phone number, email, address).
  • Spiritual Engagement Data: Information related to your involvement in church activities, events, and membership.
  • Communication Preferences: Records of your consent for receiving emails, newsletters, and church updates.
  • Website Usage Data: Cookies, IP addresses, and analytics data to enhance website functionality.

2. How We Collect Your Data

  • When you fill out forms on our website, including contact forms or event registrations.
  • Through direct interactions at church services, prayer requests, or pastoral care.
  • When you subscribe to our newsletters or request information.
  • Automatically when you browse our website (via cookies and analytics).

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal information to:

  • Provide pastoral care, prayer support, and spiritual guidance.
  • Communicate church updates, events, and newsletters.
  • Maintain church membership records and volunteer involvement.
  • Improve our website and ensure security.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent: When you provide explicit consent for receiving church communications.
  • Legitimate Interest: To manage our church activities and keep members informed.
  • Legal Obligation: When required for safeguarding, compliance, or charitable governance.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

  • Your data is securely stored and protected against unauthorized access.
  • We retain personal data only as long as necessary for church operations and legal requirements.
  • Secure electronic and physical safeguards are in place to prevent data breaches.

6. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing. However, we may share data with:

  • Service Providers: To manage church administration tools (e.g., email systems).
  • Legal Authorities: If required by law for safeguarding or legal purposes.

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data when no longer necessary.
  • Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data.
  • Object: Opt out of direct communications or specific data uses.
  • Data Portability: Request your data in a structured format.

To exercise these rights, contact us at [Insert Contact Email].

8. Cookies & Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in data protection laws. The latest version will always be available on our website.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this policy or your data rights, please contact:

Hounslow Christian Fellowship (HCF)
Cranford Baptist Church back hall
1 Firs Drive, Cranford Hounslow, TW5 9TA.
Email: hounslow.christian.fellowship@gmail.com
Phone: +44-07748914992

For complaints, you may also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.