Privacy Policy 

Effective date: 12th August 2025

The Lympne and Saltwood Benefice is committed to protecting your privacy in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. This policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

1. Who We Are

The Lympne and Saltwood Benefice comprises the Church of England parishes of both Lympne and Saltwood.

Our website address is: https://lympneandsaltwoodchurches.org.uk.

Data Controller(s): Lympne PCC (for Lympne church) and Saltwood PCC (for Saltwood church)
Contact: Via the Rector or the Churchwardens – contact details on the About us page

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

  • Names, contact details, and preferences when you subscribe to our mailing list

  • Images and audio during livestreamed services or CCTV footage

  • Technical data (IP address, browser type) when you visit this website

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data for the following purposes:

  • Church communications: If you sign up for email updates, your data is processed via Mailchimp (see section 4)

  • Livestreaming: Our 10am Sunday service at Saltwood church and the 11am Sunday service at Lympne church is live streamed to platforms such as YouTube. The front of the church is visible on camera. If you do not wish to be seen, please speak to a welcomer. Communion can be received off camera

  • CCTV: Cameras operate outside and inside the building for safety and security. Indoor cameras are turned off during services. Footage is retained for a limited period and only accessed if necessary

  • Website administration and visitor analytics

4. Third-Party Services

Mailchimp

If you subscribe to our newsletter, your name and email address are stored and processed via Mailchimp, which is based in the United States and certified under appropriate international data transfer mechanisms.
See Mailchimp’s privacy policy.

Streaming Platforms

Livestreams are hosted on YouTube or similar platforms. These companies may collect data independently. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies if you interact with our streams.

5. Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interests: for livestreaming public services, security monitoring, and general church communication

  • Consent: for sending email newsletters via Mailchimp (you can withdraw consent at any time)

  • Legal obligation: where required by safeguarding or other legislation

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the data we hold about you

  • Ask for correction or deletion of your data

  • Object to or restrict processing in some circumstances

  • Withdraw consent for email marketing at any time via the “unsubscribe” link or by contacting us

To exercise any of these rights, please contact: [Insert contact email or Data Protection Officer]

7. Data Retention

  • Mailing list data is retained until you unsubscribe

  • CCTV footage is retained for [e.g. 30 days] unless required for security

  • Livestream recordings may be retained for [e.g. 4 weeks] and then deleted or archived securely

8. Cookies

When you visit our website, we may place small text files called cookies on your device.

Why We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Help the website function properly

  • Understand how visitors use the site (e.g. page views, duration)

  • Improve user experience

We do not use cookies to collect personal or sensitive data.

Managing Cookies

You can manage or delete cookies in your browser settings. See www.allaboutcookies.org for guidance.

If we use non-essential cookies (e.g. analytics), a cookie banner will appear asking for your consent when you first visit the site. You can withdraw consent at any time by clearing cookies in your browser.

9. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

10. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns, contact the Rector or the Churchwardens – contact details on the About us page

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk