Forever Hounds Trust (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you interact with us, including when you:
- Request information
- Adopt or home a dog
- Sign up for publications or membership schemes
- Donate or buy goods from our shop
- Engage with our fundraising activities
1. Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following personal data:
- Identity information: Name, title, date of birth
- Contact information: Address, email, telephone number
- Financial information: Payment details for donations or purchases
- Activity information: Details of interactions with our services, website usage, preferences, and interests
- Marketing preferences: Your preferred method of contact
We collect this information directly from you or, where appropriate, via third-party service providers that support our operations.
2. How We Use Your Data
When you interact with Forever Hounds Trust, we use your data to:
- Provide information, services, and goods you request
- Process donations and purchases securely
- Maintain our membership and supporter records
- Comply with legal obligations
- Improve our website, services, and fundraising campaigns
- Communicate with you about opportunities to stay in touch or support our charity (only if you have consented or we have a legitimate interest)
We have a legal duty under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure that all data we hold is accurate, adequate, and relevant.
We store your details securely on our in-house computer system, protected by secure passwords and multi-factor authentication. Relevant staff and volunteers are trained to handle information securely. Your details will only be used within Forever Hounds Trust and by our service providers. We never sell or pass your information to third parties for marketing purposes.
Whenever we collect information from you, we will make it clear which details are required to provide the service or goods you request.
3. Cookie Policy
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember your actions and preferences (such as login details or shopping basket items) over time.
Some cookies are essential to make our site work, while others help us improve it and support our charitable goals.
How we use Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website and shop. This includes:
- Essential cookies for website functionality (e.g., shopping cart, login)
- Performance and analytics cookies to improve site usability
- Functionality cookies to remember preferences
- Marketing and fundraising cookies to track the effectiveness of campaigns
Managing Cookies
You can manage cookies through your browser settings:
- Google Chrome – https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
- Mozilla Firefox – https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox
- Safari – https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac
- Microsoft Edge – https://support.microsoft.com/help/4027947
Please note that blocking certain cookies may affect the functionality of our site, including the shop checkout process.
4. Sharing Your Data
We only share your personal data:
- Internally within Forever Hounds Trust and our service providers (e.g., payment processors, website hosting)
- When required by law or regulatory authorities
We do not share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes, and you will not receive marketing from other organisations as a result of giving us your information.
5. Marketing and Communication Preferences
We may contact you to:
- Provide updates about Forever Hounds Trust
- Invite you to support or participate in fundraising activities
You have the right to:
- Stop communications at any time
- Change your preferred contact method
You can unsubscribe from emails using the ‘unsubscribe’ link in any email, or contact us at:
Forever Hounds Trust
Forever Hounds Trust, Unit A2, Chard Enterprise Centre, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1BB
Telephone: 03000 125 125
Email: fundraising@foreverhoundstrust.org
6. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
- Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal or contractual obligations)
- Restriction: Ask us to restrict processing of your data
- Objection: Object to processing for marketing or legitimate interest purposes
- Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
We will respond to your requests within 30 days.
7. Data Retention
We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, or to comply with legal, regulatory, or accounting requirements.
8. Security of Your Data
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:
- Secure passwords and multi-factor authentication
- Staff and volunteer training on data protection
- Restricted access to personal data
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal obligations, or website functionality. Any updates will be posted on this page with the revised “Last updated” date.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, complaints, or requests regarding your personal data or this Privacy Policy, contact:
Forever Hounds Trust
Forever Hounds Trust, Unit A2, Chard Enterprise Centre, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1BB
Telephone: 03000 125 125
Email: fundraising@foreverhoundstrust.org
Last updated: [22/01/26]