1. Information We Collect
The charity collects information directly from you when you contact us, fill out adoption/surrender forms, foster applications, or volunteer registration. This includes:
- Personal Details: Name, address, email address, mobile/landline telephone number, date of birth.
- Homecheck Information: Details gathered during assessments to match you with a dog.
- Transaction Data: Information regarding donations or adoption fees (though usually not full bank details).
- Volunteering Data: Information related to transporting dogs, driving licence checks, and experience.
2. How We Use Your Information (Legal Basis)
Your information is used based on "legitimate interests" (rescuing and rehoming dogs) and "contractual necessity" (managing adoption/fostering agreements).
- Rehoming: Assessing suitability, arranging homechecks, and matching dogs with new families.
- Communication: Managing your account, answering enquiries, and updating you regarding your application.
- Marketing: Sending newsletters and fundraising information (only if you have consented to this).
- Safety: Updating microchip registration with your details upon adoption.
3. Data Sharing
We will never sell your personal data. Sharing is limited to:
- Volunteers: Approved members (e.g., home checkers, transport volunteers) to assist with the rehoming process.
- Vets & Third Parties: Vets for medical care, pet ID databases, or animal welfare organisations.
- Law Enforcement: When required to comply with legal obligations.
4. Data Security & Retention
- Storage: Data is stored securely, with strict controls on access.
- Retention: Data is kept only as long as necessary.
- Adopters: Retained for the life of the adopted dog for lifetime rescue backup.
- Unsuccessful Applications/Enquiries: Deleted within 12 months.
- Volunteers: Data is often retained to allow you to volunteer again without resubmitting information, unless you request removal.
5. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of the information we hold about you.
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate information.
- Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): Ask for your data to be deleted (subject to contractual obligations).
- Objection: Object to our processing of your data, or withdraw consent for marketing.
6. Contact & Complaints
You can contact the charity to exercise these rights or make a complaint using info@wssrescue.org. If unsatisfied, you can report concerns to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).