privacy policy

Last updated: 19 January 2026

Making Changes NE is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly and transparently.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you engage with Making Changes NE.

1. Who We Are

Organisation: Making Changes NE
Legal status: Community Interest Company (CIC)
Contact email: info@makingchangesne.com

Making Changes NE delivers community, wellbeing, education, and creative activities for children, families, adults, and the wider community.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:

a) Contact & basic information

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

b) Participation information

  • Event or session sign-ups

  • Feedback, evaluations, or focus group responses

  • Preferences related to activities or support

c) Sensitive / special category data (where relevant)

  • Health or wellbeing information (only where necessary)

  • Safeguarding-related information

  • Accessibility or support needs

We only collect sensitive data where it is necessary and appropriate, and we handle it with additional care.

d) Images & media

  • Photographs or videos taken during activities (with consent)

3. How We Use Your Data

We use personal data to:

  • Deliver activities and services

  • Communicate with participants, parents, carers, or facilitators

  • Understand community needs and improve services

  • Manage safeguarding responsibilities

  • Meet legal or funding requirements

  • Share information about future activities (where consent is given)

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – where you have actively agreed

  • Legitimate interests – to deliver community activities and understand local needs

  • Legal obligation – including safeguarding and record-keeping

  • Vital interests – where there is a serious safety concern

Safeguarding information may be processed without consent where necessary to protect individuals from harm.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

  • Data is stored securely using password-protected systems and trusted digital tools

  • Access is limited to authorised individuals only

  • Safeguarding records are stored separately and securely

  • We take reasonable steps to prevent loss, misuse, or unauthorised access

6. How Long We Keep Your Data

We only keep personal data for as long as necessary.

Typical retention periods include:

  • General participation data: up to 12 months

  • Mailing list data: until you unsubscribe

  • Safeguarding records: retained in line with legal and safeguarding guidance

Data is securely deleted when no longer required.

7. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell or trade personal data.

Data may be shared:

  • With safeguarding authorities where required by law

  • With funders in anonymised or aggregated form

  • Where there is a serious safety or legal requirement

Any sharing is done carefully and lawfully.

8. Photography & Media

Photos or videos may be taken during activities for promotional or reporting purposes.

  • Consent will be sought where required

  • Images of children are handled with particular care

  • Consent can be withdrawn at any time

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Object to certain types of processing

To exercise your rights, please contact:
info@makingchangesne.com

10. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your data has been handled, please contact us first so we can try to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
https://www.ico.org.uk

11. Contact Details

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

Making Changes NE
Email: info@makingchangesne.com

12. Changes to This Notice

This Privacy Notice may be updated from time to time.
The most recent version will always be available on our website.

13. How You Can Review, Update, or Delete Your Data

You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, request correction of inaccurate data, or request deletion of your data where applicable.

You can make a request by:

  • submitting a data subject request form here

  • or by contacting us directly at:
    info@makingchangesne.com

We may need to verify your identity before responding.
Requests will be responded to within the timeframes set out in data protection law