Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29 June 2026

1. Introduction

The Manchester Classical Association (“we”, “our”, “us”) is a volunteer‑run organisation based in Manchester, England, dedicated to promoting the study and enjoyment of the classical world. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors, event participants, members, and anyone who interacts with us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Our website: https://manchesterca.co.uk

2. Data Controller

Manchester Classical Association
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Email: manchesterca[at]gmail.com

3. Personal Data We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

A. Data you provide directly

  • Names and email addresses submitted through contact forms
  • Event registration details (e.g., name, email, school/university affiliation)
  • Newsletter sign‑up information (email address)
  • Membership enquiries or applications
  • Any information voluntarily provided in emails or messages

B. Automatically collected data

  • IP address
  • Browser type and device information
  • Cookies and usage data
  • Analytics data (if enabled through WordPress or plugins)

C. Data collected through third‑party services

Depending on your configuration, this may include:

  • WordPress.com / Automattic services
  • Complianz (cookie consent management)
  • Email newsletter providers (e.g., Mailchimp)
  • Event management tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Google Forms)
  • Embedded content such as YouTube or Google Maps

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – newsletter sign‑ups, cookies, optional contact form submissions
  • Legitimate Interests – website analytics, site security, promoting our events and activities
  • Contract – managing event registrations or membership requests
  • Legal Obligation – financial records if payments are ever collected

You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

5. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data to:

  • Respond to enquiries
  • Manage event registrations and attendance
  • Send newsletters or updates (only with consent)
  • Provide teacher resources, workshop information, and public lecture details
  • Improve website functionality and user experience
  • Maintain site security and prevent misuse
  • Administer membership enquiries
  • Comply with legal obligations

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to ensure proper functionality and to improve user experience. These may include:

  • Functional cookies
  • Analytics cookies
  • Preference cookies
  • Embedded third‑party cookies (e.g., YouTube, WordPress.com)

A detailed cookie breakdown is provided in our Cookie Policy, generated via Complianz.
You may manage or withdraw cookie consent at any time using the cookie banner on our site.

7. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or trade personal data. We may share data with trusted third parties only when necessary:

  • Website hosting provider
  • WordPress.com / Automattic
  • Email newsletter services
  • Event registration platforms
  • Analytics providers
  • Security or anti‑spam services (e.g., Akismet)

All third‑party processors are required to comply with UK GDPR.

8. International Data Transfers

Some third‑party services (e.g., WordPress.com, Mailchimp, Google) may store data outside the UK.

Where this occurs, data is protected through:

  • UK Addendum to Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Adequacy decisions
  • Other legally recognised safeguards

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described:

  • Contact form submissions: up to 12 months
  • Event registration data: up to 24 months
  • Newsletter subscriber data: until consent is withdrawn
  • Analytics data: typically 14–26 months (depending on provider settings)
  • Membership enquiries: up to 24 months

You may request deletion at any time.

10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Restrict processing
  • Object to processing
  • Request data portability
  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at [insert email].

11. Security Measures

We take reasonable steps to protect your data, including:

  • SSL encryption on our website
  • Secure hosting environment
  • Regular plugin and WordPress updates
  • Access controls for administrative accounts
  • Use of reputable third‑party processors

12. Children’s Privacy

Our events for children (e.g., Athena’s Owls workshops) involve educational activities. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without parental or guardian consent.

Any data provided for children’s events is used solely for event administration.

13. External Links and Embedded Content

Our website may include links to external sites or embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, Google Maps). These third‑party sites may collect data independently.

We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

14. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your data, you may contact:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Website: https://ico.org.uk Telephone: 0303 123 1113

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

Significant changes will be communicated via our website.