Privacy Policy

 

Essex Therapy Dogs CIO – Privacy Notice

Essex Therapy Dogs CIO is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This notice explains how we collect, use and protect personal information when you interact with our charity.

 

Who We Are

Essex Therapy Dogs CIO is a registered charity providing trained therapy dogs to visit care homes, schools, hospitals and community groups to support wellbeing.

For the purposes of data protection law, Essex Therapy Dogs CIO acts as the Data Controller for personal data we collect.

 

What Information We Collect

We may collect and store the following types of personal information:

• Names
• Addresses
• Email addresses
• Telephone numbers
• Volunteer application information
• Information relating to therapy dog visits and placements
• Photographs taken at events or visits (with consent where appropriate)

 

This information may be collected through email, telephone conversations, application forms, website enquiries or other communications.

 

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Process volunteer applications
• Organise therapy dog visits and placements
• Communicate with volunteers, organisations and supporters
• Send newsletters, updates and information about Essex Therapy Dogs
• Respond to enquiries
• Arrange events and activities related to the charity

 

We only collect information that is necessary for the effective running of the charity.

 

How We Store and Protect Your Data

Personal information is stored securely in paper records or password-protected electronic systems. Access to personal data is limited to authorised members of the charity who require it to carry out their duties.

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

 

Sharing Your Information

We will not sell or share your personal information with third parties unless:

• we have your permission
• it is necessary to provide our services
• we are required to do so by law

 

How Long We Keep Your Data

We only keep personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected.

Volunteer records may be kept for a period after volunteering ends in line with charity governance and safeguarding requirements.

 

Photographs

From time to time photographs may be taken during therapy dog visits, events or activities. Where possible we will seek consent before publishing photographs on our website, social media or promotional materials.

If you appear in a photograph and would like it removed, please contact us and we will do so promptly.

 

Your Rights

Under data protection law you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Ask for incorrect information to be corrected
• Request that your information be deleted where appropriate
• Object to the processing of your personal data

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact:

 

Essex Therapy Dogs CIO

Email: enquiries@essextherapydogs.co.uk
Website: https://essextherapydogs.co.uk

You also have the right to raise concerns with the UK’s data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office.

 

Updates to this Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our practices.