Privacy Policy

Byfleet Cat Rescue is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you interact with us, including through our website, social media, email, events and fundraising activities.

This policy is written in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who We Are

Byfleet Cat Rescue is a UK-based, volunteer-run cat rescue charity.

We operate in accordance with the guidance and expectations of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, ensuring that personal data is handled responsibly, lawfully and transparently in support of our charitable purposes.

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, you can contact us at:

Email: adoptions@byfleetcatrescue.co.uk

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal information:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Postal address (if provided)
  • Adoption or fostering application details
  • Donation and fundraising information (we do not store full card details)
  • Communication preferences
  • Any information you choose to provide when contacting us

We may also collect limited technical information when you visit our website, such as:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Pages visited

(This information is used only for website functionality and basic analytics.)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

  • Process adoption, fostering and volunteering enquiries
  • Communicate with you about cats, applications or support requests
  • Process donations and fundraising activities
  • Keep records required for legal or accounting purposes
  • Improve our website and services
  • Send updates or appeals where you have given consent

We will never sell your data or use it for unrelated marketing purposes.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – where you have given clear permission
  • Contract – to process adoption or fostering applications
  • Legal obligation – where required by law
  • Legitimate interests – to operate and manage the rescue effectively

5. Donations and Payments

Donations made through third-party platforms are processed securely by those providers. Byfleet Cat Rescue does not store full payment card details.

Please refer to the privacy policies of the relevant payment providers for more information.

6. Sharing Your Information

We may share limited information only when necessary:

  • With volunteers involved in adoptions, fostering or welfare
  • With veterinary practices for the care of our cats
  • Where required by law or regulatory authorities

All data shared is kept to the minimum necessary and handled securely.

7. How We Store and Protect Your Data

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

  • Secure devices and password-protected systems
  • Restricted access to personal information
  • Regular review of stored data

We only keep personal data for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, or as required by law.

8. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data (where applicable)
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details above.

9. Cookies and Cookie Banner

Our website uses a cookie consent banner to manage cookies in line with UK GDPR and PECR regulations. When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie banner that allows you to:

  • Accept all cookies
  • Reject non-essential cookies
  • Manage your cookie preferences

Essential cookies are required for the website to function properly and cannot be switched off. Non-essential cookies (such as basic analytics cookies) are only used if you give your consent via the cookie banner.

Your cookie preferences can be changed or withdrawn at any time by revisiting the cookie settings link on our website or adjusting your browser settings.

We do not use cookies for advertising or profiling.

10. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party sites (such as donation platforms or social media). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.

11. Charity Commission Compliance

Byfleet Cat Rescue processes personal data solely to further its charitable objectives, including animal welfare, rehoming, fundraising and volunteer coordination. We ensure that:

  • Personal data is used only for legitimate charitable purposes
  • Information is not retained longer than necessary
  • Supporters, adopters and volunteers are treated fairly and transparently

We comply with the Charity Commission’s guidance on protecting charities from misuse and on safeguarding personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Last updated: January 2026

Byfleet Cat Rescue – protecting your privacy while protecting our cats.

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