Privacy Policy | Stoke Parish Council

Stoke Parish Council values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you interact with our website, https://stokeparishcouncil.org.uk, or contact us directly.


1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information when you use our website or services:

1.1 Information You Provide

  • Contact Information: Such as your name, email address, and any other details you provide through our contact forms or email correspondence.
  • Feedback or Inquiry Details: Information shared when submitting queries or suggestions.

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may collect:

  • Technical Data: Such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, and device type.
  • Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on the site, and other analytical data.

We use tools like Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and improve the user experience.


2. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used for the following purposes:

  • To respond to inquiries and provide support.
  • To improve our website and ensure it meets users’ needs.
  • To share updates and information about Stoke Parish, such as news or events (only with your consent).
  • To ensure website security and prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

3. Sharing Your Information

Stoke Parish Council does not sell or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. However, we may share data with:

  • Service Providers: Trusted partners who help us manage and maintain the website.
  • Legal Authorities: If required by law or to protect our rights, property, or users.

4. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device that help us analyze web traffic and customize content.

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the basic functionality of the website.
  • Analytics Cookies: Used to track visitor behavior and improve the site (e.g., Google Analytics).

4.2 Managing Cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may limit certain features of the website.

For more information about cookies, visit All About Cookies.


5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Once your data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.


6. Your Rights

Under UK data protection laws, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Ask us to correct or update inaccurate information.
  • Deletion: Request the deletion of your personal data, where applicable.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your data for certain purposes.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at admin@stokeparishcouncil.org.uk.


7. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no online platform can guarantee 100% security. Please ensure you protect your own devices and accounts.


8. External Links

Our website may contain links to external sites. Stoke Parish Council is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies when visiting.


9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and the “Last Updated” date will be revised.

Last Updated: [Insert Date]


10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us:

Thank you for trusting Stoke Parish Council. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy!