Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how the Channel Initiative collects, uses, and protects personal information in our international advocacy and charitable work. We are committed to complying with data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which governs our processing of personal data for supporters in the United Kingdom.
Data We Collect
We collect information to further our charitable mission, manage supporter relationships, and report on our advocacy impact. Data collection is proportionate and relevant to these purposes.
Information You Provide Directly
You may provide personal data directly through interactions with us, such as:
- Contact details (name, email) from website forms for newsletters, petitions, or event registrations.
- Donation information processed via secure third-party platforms.
- Details provided when engaging with specific initiatives or campaigns.
- Correspondence sent via email or post.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect technical data like IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing patterns. This helps ensure site functionality and informs user experience improvements.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to distinguish users and enhance functionality. You can manage your cookie preferences upon your first visit.
Essential Cookies
These are necessary for the website to operate and cannot be switched off. They are set in response to your actions, such as setting privacy preferences, and ensure basic site functionality and security.
Analytics and Performance Cookies
These allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve site performance. They help us understand which advocacy content is most engaging. Tools like Google Analytics 4 may set these cookies.
Analytics and Site Performance
We analyse website usage to measure engagement and support strategic decisions for campaign promotion and resource allocation.
Purpose of Data Analysis
The primary purpose is to understand how visitors interact with our content. This analysis, conducted via services like Google Analytics 4, helps us tailor content to supporter interests and improve digital outreach. Data processing for analytics includes safeguards, with processing primarily in the UK.
Managing Analytics Preferences
You can control non-essential analytics cookies through our cookie preference centre. Browser settings can also be used to refuse cookies, though this may affect site functionality.
Third-Party Services and Data Sharing
We engage trusted third-party service providers to support our operations. Data is only shared under strict data protection agreements, ensuring partners process information solely for our instructed purposes.
Service Providers
Key providers include payment processors (e.g., Stripe) for donations, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp) for newsletters, and cloud hosting services for our website infrastructure. Where data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure protections via adequacy decisions or appropriate safeguards.
Legal and Compliance Disclosures
We may disclose personal data if required by law, regulation, or legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the charity, its beneficiaries, or the public.
Your Data Protection Rights (UK GDPR)
Under the UK GDPR, you have specific rights regarding your personal data. We are committed to facilitating the exercise of these rights.
Right of Access and Portability
You have the right to request a copy of your personal data (a subject access request). In certain circumstances, you also have the right to receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Right to Erasure and Restriction
You may request the deletion of your personal data or the restriction of its processing. This is not an absolute right and applies only in specific circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary for its original purpose.
Data Retention and Security
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including for the duration of your active engagement, and to comply with legal or accounting obligations.
Retention Periods
Retention periods vary based on the data type and purpose. Financial records are kept as required by UK law, while newsletter subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe.
Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. These include encryption, access controls, and secure data transfer protocols.
Contact Information
The Channel Initiative is responsible for the personal data it processes. For enquiries about this policy or to exercise your data rights, please contact us.
Data Protection Enquiries
For all privacy-related matters, please contact: [email protected]. We will respond to legitimate requests within one month. To protect your privacy, we will verify your identity before disclosing any information.
Supervisory Authority
If you are in the UK, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data has been processed in violation of applicable law.
We are committed to protecting your data and will update this policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or in data protection law.