Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters to us

Seal Research Trust is committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about how we collect, use and store it. This Privacy Policy explains our online information practices and the choices you can make about how your information is used.

By using our website, signing up to communications, making a donation, participating in our activities, or otherwise providing us with your personal information, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page and will apply from the date of publication.

Who are we?

In this policy, “SRT”, “we”, “us” or “our” refers to Seal Research Trust. Seal Research Trust is a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to seal research, conservation, education and public engagement.

If you have any questions about this policy or how we use your data, please contact us at: seals@sealresearchtrust.com

What is personal data?

Personal data is information that can identify an individual, either directly or indirectly. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Name

  • Postal address

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • IP address

  • Payment details (processed securely via third-party providers)

The policy in brief

  • We only collect information that is necessary or helpful to deliver our work

  • We never sell your personal data

  • We only share your data with trusted partners where necessary and lawful

  • We take reasonable steps to keep your information secure

  • You are in control of how we communicate with you

What information do we collect and why?

Personal information

We may collect personal information when you:

  • Make a donation or purchase

  • Sign up for updates or newsletters

  • Register for events, courses or activities

  • Contact us with an enquiry

  • Participate in research, education or outreach activities

This information is used to fulfil your request, communicate with you, and administer our charitable activities.

Non-personal information

We also collect non-personal data such as pages visited and website usage statistics. This helps us understand how our website is used and improve our services. This data does not identify you personally.

Cookies and analytics

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to improve user experience and understand website performance. You can manage or withdraw your consent through your browser settings or our cookie controls.

How do we use your information?

We may use your information to:

  • Process donations, payments or bookings

  • Deliver goods, services or information you request

  • Communicate with you about our work, where consent has been given

  • Administer events, courses or research activities

  • Improve our website, communications and services

  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements

  • Prevent fraud or misuse of our services

We will only use your data where we have a lawful basis to do so, such as consent, contractual necessity, or legitimate interest.

Communications and marketing

We operate an opt-in communications policy. This means we will only contact you for marketing or fundraising purposes if you have explicitly agreed. You can change your communication preferences or unsubscribe at any time by using the links in our emails or by contacting us directly.

Sharing your information

We will only share your information when:

  • We are legally required to do so

  • It is necessary to protect our rights, staff, volunteers or supporters

  • We work with trusted service providers who carry out tasks on our behalf (such as payment processors, IT providers or mailing services)

All third-party partners are required to handle your data securely, only use it for agreed purposes, and comply with UK data protection law.

Payment security

Online payments are processed securely using trusted third-party payment provider Shopify. We do not store your card details on our systems.

Audio and video recordings

From time to time, we may record audio or video during events, training sessions or public engagement activities to support our charitable objectives.

Where recordings are made, we will make reasonable efforts to inform participants in advance and provide options to opt out. If you do not wish to be included in a recording, please let us know as early as possible.

How we store and protect your information

Your information is stored securely on systems located in the UK or with reputable service providers. We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

While we take security seriously, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

How long we keep your information

We only keep personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfil the purpose for which it was collected

  • Maintain records required by law or regulation

  • Respect your communication preferences

When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or destroyed.

What we do not do

  • We do not sell your personal data

  • We do not share your data with other organisations for their own marketing purposes

Your rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances

  • Object to or restrict how your data is used

  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details above.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk