Privacy Policy

At Africans in Ayrshire, your privacy is of utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws. By engaging with our services, visiting our website, or participating in our activities, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

Who We Are

Africans in Ayrshire is a charity dedicated to fostering community, cultural understanding, and active citizenship among Africans and the wider community in Ayrshire. Our website address is: https://aiagroup.co.uk. We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy.

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address, and any details you provide through forms, event registrations, or correspondence.
Demographic Information: Age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, and interests (where relevant).
Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and cookies, collected automatically when you visit our website.
Event Participation: Records of your attendance at events, workshops, or other activities we organize.
Communication Preferences: Details of your preferences for receiving information from us.
Financial Information: Bank account or payment details (only when you make donations or payments).
Photographs and Videos: Images captured during events (with consent).

We only collect personal data that is relevant and necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

How We Use Your Data

Your personal data is used for the following purposes:

Responding to inquiries and providing services you request.
Managing your participation in events, programs, and activities.
Sending you updates about our charity’s initiatives, events, and fundraising campaigns.
Processing donations, issuing receipts, and maintaining financial records.
Improving our website and services through analytics and user feedback.
Complying with legal and regulatory obligations.

We will only use your data with your explicit consent or where necessary for legitimate interests pursued by the charity.

Cookies and Embedded Content

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and user experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device to remember your preferences. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some features of the site may not work as intended. Articles on our site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, articles). Embedded content from other websites behaves as if you visited the other site, which may collect data about you, use cookies, and track your interaction.

Sharing Your Data

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share your information with:

Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist in delivering our services, such as event organizers or IT support.
Legal Authorities: If required by law to protect our rights or comply with a legal obligation.
Partners or Collaborators: For specific programs or projects, only with your prior consent.

Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes secure storage systems, encrypted communications, and access controls. However, no online transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

How Long We Retain Your Data

Comments: Comments and metadata are retained indefinitely to recognize and approve follow-up comments automatically.
User Profiles: For registered users, we store personal information in their profile, which they can edit or delete (except usernames).
Event Data: Retained as long as necessary for reporting and operational purposes.

We only retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes.

Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the following rights:

Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccuracies.
Deletion: Request deletion of your data where there is no legal or operational need to retain it.
Objection: Object to data processing for direct marketing or other purposes.
Data Portability: Request that we transfer your data to another organization.
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time if it is the basis for processing.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@aiagroup.co.uk.

Links to External Sites

Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. Please review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our operations or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, and we encourage you to review this policy periodically.