Summary: We respect your privacy. We collect minimal data, never sell your information, and you have full control over your data. This policy explains how we handle your information in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
1. Who We Are
Befrienders ("we", "us", "our") operates the website befrienders.co.uk. We are the data controller responsible for your personal data.
Contact: For any privacy-related questions, please contact us at: privacy@befrienders.co.uk
2. Information We Collect
We collect information in the following ways:
2.1 Information You Provide
- Contact Forms: Name and email address when you contact us
- Newsletter: Email address if you subscribe to updates
- Comments: Any information you choose to share in comments
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, referring sites
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, screen size
- IP Address: Used for security and approximate location (country level)
2.3 Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience. See our cookie categories:
| Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Required for site functionality | Session |
| Analytics | Understand how visitors use our site | Up to 2 years |
| Affiliate | Track referrals to partner sites | 30-90 days |
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To provide and improve our website and services
- To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
- To send newsletters and updates (only with your consent)
- To analyse website usage and improve user experience
- To detect and prevent fraud or security issues
- To comply with legal obligations
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under UK GDPR, we process your data based on:
- Consent: When you opt-in to newsletters or accept cookies
- Legitimate Interests: For website analytics and security
- Legal Obligation: When required by law
- Contract: To fulfil any services you request
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with:
- Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, and email services that help operate our website
- Affiliate Partners: When you click affiliate links, partners may receive referral data
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services:
- Google Analytics (website analytics)
- Firebase (website hosting)
- Affiliate networks (Awin, Amazon Associates)
6. International Transfers
Some of our service providers are based outside the UK. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the UK ICO.
7. Data Retention
We retain your data only as long as necessary:
- Contact enquiries: 2 years from last contact
- Newsletter subscribers: Until you unsubscribe
- Analytics data: 26 months
- Legal records: As required by law (typically 6 years)
8. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where consent is the legal basis
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@befrienders.co.uk. We will respond within one month.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
10. Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:
- HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
- Secure hosting infrastructure
- Regular security reviews
- Limited access to personal data
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last revised.
12. Complaints
If you have concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us first. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
- Website: ico.org.uk
- Telephone: 0303 123 1113
13. Contact Us
For any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices:
- Email: privacy@befrienders.co.uk
- Website: befrienders.co.uk/contact