Privacy & Data Protection Policy (UK GDPR)

Effective Date: 07 May 2026
Review Date: Annually
Organisation: Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC

  1. Introduction

Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting the privacy, dignity, and personal information of all individuals who engage with our organisation.

This Privacy and Data Protection Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and manage personal data in accordance with:

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
  • Relevant safeguarding and confidentiality obligations

We are committed to ensuring that personal data is handled lawfully, fairly, transparently, securely, and responsibly.

  1. About Us

Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC is a community-focused organisation working to support diaspora communities through inclusion, dialogue, empowerment, advocacy, cultural engagement, and community development initiatives.

For the purposes of data protection law, Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC acts as the “Data Controller” for the personal information we collect and process.

  1. The Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:

Personal Identification Information

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Date of birth (where relevant)

 

Community Participation Information

  • Event attendance
  • Programme participation
  • Volunteer involvement
  • Survey responses
  • Community engagement activities

Equality and Diversity Information

Where appropriate and lawful, we may collect:

  • Ethnicity
  • Language preferences
  • Gender identity
  • Disability information
  • Cultural or community background

This information is collected only where necessary and with appropriate safeguards.

Safeguarding Information

We may process safeguarding-related information where there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to do so.

Website and Technical Information

When using our website, we may collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Website usage data
  • Cookies and analytics data
  1. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

  • Website contact forms
  • Registration forms
  • Event sign-ups
  • Surveys and questionnaires
  • Volunteer applications
  • Email or telephone communication
  • Social media interaction
  • Partner referrals
  • Community engagement activities

We only collect information that is necessary for our legitimate organisational purposes.

  1. Our Lawful Basis for Processing Data

Under UK GDPR, we rely on one or more of the following lawful bases:

Consent

Where you have given clear consent for us to process your information.

Legitimate Interests

Where processing is necessary for our legitimate community and organisational activities.

Legal Obligation

Where we are legally required to process or retain information.

Vital Interests

Where processing is necessary to protect someone from serious harm.

Public Task

Where activities support community development, inclusion, safeguarding, or social wellbeing objectives.

For special category data (such as ethnicity or health-related information), we apply additional lawful conditions under Article 9 UK GDPR.

  1. How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information to:

  • Deliver community programmes and services
  • Communicate with participants and volunteers
  • Manage events and registrations
  • Monitor participation and impact
  • Improve our services and activities
  • Meet safeguarding responsibilities
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Manage recruitment and volunteering
  • Respond to enquiries or complaints
  • Produce anonymised reporting for funders and partners

We will never sell personal data to third parties.

  1. Sharing Personal Information

We only share personal data where necessary, lawful, and proportionate.

Information may be shared with:

  • Local authorities
  • Safeguarding agencies
  • NHS or health partners
  • Funding bodies (anonymised where possible)
  • Professional advisers
  • IT and website service providers
  • Regulatory or legal authorities

We require all third parties to respect the security and confidentiality of personal data.

  1. Safeguarding and Confidentiality

Where safeguarding concerns arise, confidentiality may need to be breached to protect an individual from harm.

Safeguarding disclosures may be shared with appropriate authorities where:

  • There is a risk of harm
  • A legal duty applies
  • A safeguarding referral is required

All safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and securely.

 

 

  1. Data Storage and Security

Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC takes appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against:

  • Unauthorised access
  • Loss or theft
  • Misuse
  • Disclosure
  • Damage or destruction

Security measures include:

  • Password-protected systems
  • Secure cloud storage
  • Restricted access controls
  • Confidentiality obligations
  • Staff and volunteer training
  1. Data Retention

We only retain personal information for as long as necessary.

Retention periods depend on:

  • Legal obligations
  • Safeguarding requirements
  • Funding requirements
  • Operational necessity

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or destroyed.

  1. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

Under UK GDPR, individuals have the right to:

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

Requests will normally be responded to within one calendar month.

  1. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience and monitor website performance.

Cookies may collect:

  • Browser information
  • Device information
  • Website usage statistics

Users can manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

A separate Cookie Policy may also apply.

  1. Children and Young People

Where we engage with children or young people, additional safeguarding and data protection measures will apply.

We will:

  • Obtain parental or guardian consent where appropriate
  • Minimise data collection
  • Ensure information is handled safely and responsibly

The welfare and privacy of children are paramount.

  1. International Data Transfers

Where personal data is transferred outside the UK, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

  1. Data Breaches

Any suspected or actual data breach will be:

  • Investigated promptly
  • Recorded appropriately
  • Reported where legally required

Where a breach poses a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms, we may notify:

  • The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
  • Affected individuals
  1. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests relating to this policy or personal data, please contact:

Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC
Email: info@diasporavoices.org.uk
Telephone: +44 7833832260
Location: Wales, United Kingdom

  1. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal information, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113

We encourage individuals to contact us first so we can attempt to resolve concerns directly.

  1. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

  • Legislation changes
  • Organisational changes occur
  • New services or technologies are introduced
  • Regulatory guidance is updated

Diaspora Voices Cymru Hub CIC is committed to maintaining high standards of privacy, transparency, accountability, and data protection compliance.

Approval

Approved by: Motunrayo Shodimu

Position: Director Operations

Date: 07/05/2026