Privacy Policy

Welcome to Torbay Advice Network ("we", "our", or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, which is hosted through IONOS.

By using this website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

A. Contact Forms

If you use a general contact form on the site, we may collect:

Your name

Email address

Any message or query you send us

B. Automatically Collected Data

We may automatically collect non-personal data such as:

IP address

Browser type

Device information

Pages visited

Time and date of access

This helps us improve site performance and user experience.

2. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

Consent – When you voluntarily provide information via a form

Legal obligation – Where we are required to retain or disclose information for safeguarding or compliance purposes

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information collected to:

Respond to enquiries or contact form submissions

Improve our services

Comply with legal or safeguarding obligations

We do not sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Sharing Your Information

Accessed only by authorized staff

Shared only for the purpose of providing appropriate support

We do not share your data with any external third parties unless required by law or with your explicit consent.

5. How Long We Keep Your Data

Contact form data is retained only for as long as necessary to:

Provide the service you have requested

Comply with legal, contractual, or safeguarding obligations

Data is reviewed regularly and securely deleted when no longer needed.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies for functionality and performance. These small text files may be used by:

IONOS – to support site functionality

Analytics tools (if enabled) – to understand how visitors interact with the site

You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings or the cookie banner on our site. Learn more at https://www.allaboutcookies.org.

7. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are in the UK or EU, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you

Correct any inaccuracies

Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)

Restrict or object to processing in certain situations

Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) or your local data protection authority

To exercise your rights, contact us at manager@torbayadvicenetwork.org

8. Data Security

Our site is hosted on IONOS, which provides secure servers and encryption. Referral data is stored in CharityLog, a GDPR-compliant platform used by charities across the UK.

We take reasonable steps to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

9. Children’s Privacy

This website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. International Data Transfers

As our site is hosted by IONOS (a global platform), your data may be transferred and stored outside the UK/EU. IONOS adheres to privacy frameworks such as the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework where applicable, and implements safeguards to protect personal data during international transfers.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is handled, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us: manager@torbayadvicenetwork.org