Struthers Memorial Church (“SMC”, “we”, “us”) is committed to respecting your privacy.

This notice explains how we collect, use and protect personal information you give us, whether online, by phone, on paper, or in person.

1. Who We Are

Struthers Memorial Church (SMC) is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. It is also a registered Scottish Charity No. SC006960.  We are a Christian church with branches across the UK. We may collect and use personal data as part of our church services, events, and charitable work.

SMC is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and store:

• Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Information for church activities (e.g. Sunday School registers, allergies for events)
• Financial donations and Gift Aid information
• Communication preferences
• Recordings or photos from events or services (posted online or on social media)
• Health related information such as dietary allergies
• Website usage data (via cookies)

Some of this data may indicate your religious beliefs, which is classed as “special category” data under data protection law.

Where we collect data relating to children (e.g. for Sunday School or youth events), we ensure it is processed with appropriate safeguarding and parental consent.

We collect data directly from you when you fill in forms, sign up for events, make donations, or interact with us online or in person. We may also collect limited data from third parties where necessary (e.g. parents registering children).

3. Why We Collect Your Data

We collect and use your data so we can:

• Communicate with you and keep you informed about church activities
• Manage events, meetings, or children’s groups safely
• Process donations and Gift Aid
• Provide pastoral care and support
• Comply with health related needs (such as dietary allergies)
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g. safeguarding, financial reporting)

4. Legal Basis

We use legitimate interest as our main legal basis for processing personal data, meaning we only use your information in ways you would reasonably expect and which have minimal privacy impact. Our legitimate interests include communicating with members, organising church events, administering donations, and providing pastoral care. We rely on the lawful basis of legitimate interest under Article 6(1)(f), and for special category data such as religious belief, we process it under Article 9(2)(d) — processing carried out in the course of our legitimate activities as a not-for-profit body with a religious aim.

While we mainly rely on legitimate interest for processing data, there are certain situations where we will ask for your explicit consent before collecting or using your personal information.

This includes, for example:

• Filming and photography at certain events or services
• Using identifiable images or recordings of individuals for promotional purposes
• Collecting certain health or safeguarding information, particularly in relation to children or vulnerable individuals

Where we rely on consent, you will be clearly informed at the time of collection and given the option to withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us.

5. How We Use Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve user experience, track usage (e.g. Google Analytics), and provide video or social media features. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Where we use non-essential cookies, such as those for analytics or embedded media, we will seek your consent via a cookie banner when you first visit our website. You can update your preferences at any time.

We use Google Analytics to monitor website usage. Google may transfer information to servers outside the UK. For more on Google’s privacy practices, see their privacy policy.

6. Sharing Your Data

We keep your data secure and only share it when necessary, such as with:

• Volunteers and staff in your local church
• Trusted service providers (e.g. IT support, payment processors)
• Legal authorities when required

Some of our data may be stored using trusted cloud services which are based outside the UK. We ensure any international transfers are made with appropriate safeguards in place.

We do not sell your data or use it for profiling.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We only keep your data for as long as necessary. For example, financial records are kept for 7 years, and Sunday School registers are held for safeguarding as needed.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your data
• Ask us to correct or delete it
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent (if we asked for it)
• Make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

9. Recordings and Social Media

We may record or livestream some services or events for ministry purposes. Notices will be displayed when filming is taking place. If you do not wish to appear in recordings, please speak to a church leader or sit outside the camera view.

10. Contact Us

You can contact us by emailing us: 📧 data.protection@struthers-church.org

Or by writing to:

Struthers Memorial Church

33 West Stewart Street, Greenock, PA15 1SH

Registered Charity No: SC006960

11. Updates to This Privacy Notice

This privacy notice was last updated in July 2025 and may be reviewed periodically. We encourage you to check back from time to time to stay informed about how we are protecting your data.

For more information please visit: www.ico.org.uk

Struthers Memorial Church is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland.  Company registration No. SC335480 and Scottish Charity registration No. SC006960. Registered Office: 33 West Stewart Street, Greenock, PA15 1SH