| Version | 1.0 |
| Last updated | 6 April 2026 |
| Review date | Annually |
| Applies to | All visitors to www.refugeesupportconnect.org.uk |
1. Who We Are
Refugee Support Connect is a national peer-to-peer referral directory for organisations supporting refugees and asylum seekers across the UK. We are a free, independent directory. Our application to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) is in progress.
When we refer to 'we', 'us' or 'our' in this policy, we mean Refugee Support Connect.
We are the data controller for the personal data collected through this website. This means we are responsible for deciding how and why your data is used.
Contact: hello@refugeesupportconnect.org.uk
Website: www.refugeesupportconnect.org.uk
2. What Data We Collect and Why
When you browse our website
Like most websites, ours automatically collects some technical information when you visit, including:
- Your IP address
- The type of browser and device you are using
- Which pages you visit and how long you spend on them
- Where you came from (e.g. a search engine or a link)
We use this information to understand how people use our directory so we can improve it. This data is collected via website analytics tools and is not used to identify you personally.
When you use the directory
Browsing the directory is anonymous. You do not need to create an account or provide any personal information to search for or view organisations.
When you submit a form
We offer several forms on our website. Here is what we collect through each:
| Form | Data collected | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Submit Organisation | Organisation name, contact name, email, phone, address, service details | To review and add the organisation to the directory |
| Refer an Organisation | Your name, email, organisation details you are referring | To review the suggested organisation for the directory |
| Report a Problem | Your email, details of the issue | To investigate and fix inaccurate listings |
| Trustee Application | Name, address, contact details, professional background, references | To assess suitability for a trustee role |
3. Our Legal Basis for Using Your Data
UK data protection law requires us to have a legal reason ('lawful basis') for using your personal data. Depending on how you interact with us, we rely on:
- Legitimate interests - for directory submissions, referrals, error reports, and website analytics. We have a legitimate interest in maintaining an accurate and useful directory.
- Contract - where you are applying for a role with us or entering a formal agreement.
- Consent - for optional data such as equal opportunities monitoring. You can withdraw consent at any time.
- Legal obligation - where we are required by law to process your data, for example for charity reporting or tax purposes.
4. How Long We Keep Your Data
- Directory listing contact details: while your organisation is listed, plus 2 years after removal
- Form submissions (referrals, error reports): 12 months
- Trustee applications (unsuccessful): 6 months after the recruitment process closes
- Website analytics data: 26 months
After these periods, your data is securely deleted or anonymised.
5. Who We Share Your Data With
We do not sell your data or share it with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share data with:
- Our technology providers - we use third-party software to operate the directory. These providers process data on our behalf and are bound by data processing agreements.
- The Charity Commission - as required by charity law.
- Professional advisors - solicitors or accountants where necessary, under confidentiality obligations.
- Statutory authorities - where we are required to by law.
6. Cookies
Our website uses cookies, which are small text files placed on your device, to help us understand how visitors use the site and to make it work properly.
We use:
- Essential cookies - necessary for the website to function. These cannot be switched off.
- Analytics cookies - help us understand how visitors use the site. These are only set with your consent.
When you first visit our website, you will be shown a cookie banner where you can choose which cookies to accept.
7. Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you - ask us for a copy
- Correct inaccurate data - ask us to fix errors
- Delete your data - ask us to erase it where there is no good reason to keep it
- Restrict how we use your data - ask us to pause processing in certain circumstances
- Object to processing - where we rely on legitimate interests
- Withdraw consent - at any time, where we rely on consent
To exercise any of these rights, email us at hello@refugeesupportconnect.org.uk. We will respond within 21 working days.
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
- Website: www.ico.org.uk
- Phone: 0303 123 1113
8. Keeping Your Data Safe
We take the security of your data seriously. We use password protection and two-factor authentication on all systems that hold personal data. Access to personal data is restricted to people who need it for their role.
If we become aware of a data breach that is likely to affect your rights, we will notify you and the ICO as required by law.
9. Links to Other Websites
Our directory contains links to external organisations' websites. This privacy policy applies only to our website. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites and encourage you to read their privacy policies.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the 'Last updated' date at the top of this page. We encourage you to check this page periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact:
Refugee Support Connect
Email: hello@refugeesupportconnect.org.uk
Website: www.refugeesupportconnect.org.uk
Refugee Support Connect - England and Wales. CIO registration in progress.