Office desk and computer used for handling website information and enquiries

Privacy Policy

This page explains how information may be collected and used when you visit this website, submit an enquiry, or otherwise interact with the site.

Who this policy applies to

This privacy policy applies to the website at sciencecityyork.org.uk and to information collected through the pages on this website. It explains what information may be collected, how it may be used, how it may be stored, and the choices available to people who use the site.

This policy is intended to give a straightforward overview of how personal information is handled in connection with this website. It applies whether you are simply browsing, using the contact page, or following links to request further information.

What information may be collected

Depending on how you use the site, the following kinds of information may be collected:

  • your name, if you provide it
  • your email address, if you provide it
  • your telephone number, if you provide it
  • details included in any message or enquiry you send
  • technical information such as browser type, device type, IP address, referring page, and general usage data
  • information about how pages on the site are used, such as which pages are visited and how long visitors remain on them

You do not have to provide personal information simply to browse the website. Personal information is generally only provided where you choose to contact the site or submit details through a form.

How information may be collected

Information may be collected in several ways. The most obvious is when you complete a contact form or otherwise send an enquiry through the website. Technical and usage information may also be collected automatically through standard website functions, server logs, security systems, or website analytics tools.

Some information may also be collected through cookies or similar technologies used to help the site function properly, understand how visitors use the site, or support site security and performance.

Personal information is only collected where there is a reason for it

That reason is usually to respond to an enquiry, help administer the website, keep the site secure, or understand how the website is being used so it can be maintained and improved.

How personal information may be used

Information provided through the site may be used for purposes such as:

  • responding to enquiries or requests for further information
  • communicating about a message sent through the website
  • administering and operating the website
  • monitoring site usage and improving website content, layout or performance
  • maintaining security, preventing misuse, and investigating suspicious activity
  • keeping records of communications received through the website

Personal information will not normally be used for unrelated purposes where there is no reasonable connection to the operation of the website or the handling of an enquiry.

Lawful basis for using information

Where personal information is processed, it may be done on one or more lawful bases recognised under UK data protection law. These may include consent, the need to respond to a request made through the site, legitimate interests in administering and securing the website, or compliance with legal obligations where applicable.

The particular lawful basis may depend on the context in which the information is provided and the purpose for which it is being used.

Cookies and similar technologies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies for site functionality, basic measurement, security, and website administration. Cookies are small text files placed on a device when a website is visited. Some are temporary and some may remain for longer, depending on their purpose.

Cookies may be used to help pages load properly, remember preferences, understand which parts of the site are used most often, or help detect misuse. Browser settings can usually be adjusted to block or delete cookies, although doing so may affect how some parts of the site function.

Analytics and technical data

This website may use analytics, server logs, or similar technical tools to understand how visitors use the site. This may include information such as the pages viewed, general location data based on IP address, browser type, device type, date and time of access, and referring sources.

This information is generally used to understand website performance, identify popular content, improve usability, and support the technical administration of the site. It may also be used to help detect suspicious activity or repeated automated access.

Contact forms and enquiries

If you contact the site using a contact form or by sending a message, the information you provide may be stored so that the enquiry can be read, considered and responded to. That may include contact details and the contents of the message itself.

Please avoid sending unnecessary sensitive personal information through the website. Ordinary business contact details and a general outline of your enquiry are usually enough.

Links to other websites

This website may contain links to other websites. If you leave this site and visit another website, the privacy practices of that other website will apply to your use of it. This privacy policy applies only to information collected in connection with this website.

Where a page on this site directs you to another website for further information or enquiry handling, that other website may have its own privacy policy and terms.

How information may be shared

Personal information is not sold. Information may, however, be shared where reasonably necessary for the operation of the website or the handling of an enquiry. That may include website hosting providers, technical service providers, form handling services, email providers, analytics providers, or professional advisers where needed.

Information may also be disclosed where required by law, where needed to establish or defend legal rights, or where reasonably necessary to protect the website, its users, or its systems from misuse or unlawful activity.

How long information may be kept

Information may be kept for as long as is reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, including responding to enquiries, maintaining records, administering the website, meeting legal obligations, resolving disputes, or protecting the website and its operators.

The length of time will depend on the nature of the information and why it was collected. Some technical data may be retained for shorter periods, while enquiry records may be retained for longer where there is a continuing administrative or legal reason to do so.

How information is protected

Reasonable steps may be taken to protect information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure or alteration. That may include the use of secure hosting arrangements, access controls, security monitoring and other technical or organisational measures.

No website or method of internet transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure. While efforts may be made to protect information, absolute security cannot be promised.

Your rights

Under UK data protection law, individuals may have rights in relation to their personal information. Depending on the circumstances, these rights may include the right to request access to personal information, request correction of inaccurate information, request erasure, object to certain processing, request restriction of processing, or request transfer of information in an appropriate format.

There may also be a right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. These rights are not absolute and may depend on the circumstances and the legal basis on which information is being processed.

How to raise a privacy enquiry

If you have a question about this privacy policy or about information handled through this website, you can use the contact page on the site to get in touch. It helps to be as specific as possible so that the matter can be understood and considered properly.

If you believe your data protection rights have been affected, you may also have the right to raise the matter with the Information Commissioner’s Office in the UK.

Children’s information

This website is intended for a general audience connected with business electricity topics and is not aimed at children. Personal information is not knowingly collected from children through the website.

Changes to this policy

This privacy policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes to the website, changes to the way information is handled, or changes in legal or regulatory requirements. The version shown on this page is the version that applies at the time of viewing.

It is worth checking this page occasionally if you want to stay aware of any changes.