Privacy Policy

1. Introduction Association of Turkish Alumni and Students in Scotland (“ATAS,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

2. Data We Collect We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address.
  • Membership Information: University attended, graduation status, role within ATAS.
  • Event Participation Data: Attendance at ATAS events, preferences, feedback.
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and other online identifiers when you visit our website.

3. How We Use Your Data We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • To manage membership applications and renewals.
  • To administer events, communications, and activities.
  • To send newsletters and updates about ATAS activities.
  • To comply with legal obligations and ensure compliance with UK charity laws.
  • To monitor website usage and improve our online services.
  • To manage donations and fundraising activities.
  • To handle queries, complaints, or claims efficiently.

4. Legal Basis for Processing We process personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Contractual Necessity: Where processing is required for membership services.
  • Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary to achieve our charitable objectives (e.g., sending newsletters to existing members and volunteers, processing event participation data, managing donations, and responding to queries and complaints).
  • Legal Obligations: Where processing is necessary to comply with UK laws.

5. Legitimate Interests for Specific Processing Activities

  • Receiving Donations and Fundraising Activities: We process personal data to manage donations, issue receipts, and provide updates to donors regarding ATAS initiatives. This supports our charitable objectives and ensures financial sustainability.
  • Complying with Legal Requirements: We process personal data to meet regulatory requirements, including those related to charity governance, financial reporting, and safeguarding.
  • Handling Queries, Complaints, or Claims: We process personal data to respond effectively to inquiries, complaints, or claims from members, volunteers, and the public. This ensures accountability and improves our services.

6. Newsletter Subscription

  • Members and Volunteers: As part of their membership or volunteer role, members and volunteers may receive ATAS newsletters and updates under the legitimate interest basis. They can opt out at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in the email.
  • Non-Members: If you are not a member or volunteer but sign up for updates, we will process your data under legitimate interest and ensure an opt-out mechanism in all communications.

7. Cookies and Website Tracking When you visit our website, we may collect certain data automatically using cookies and similar tracking technologies.

  • Cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website and improve user experience.
  • We use only necessary cookies and analytics cookies for website functionality and performance monitoring.
  • You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may impact the website’s functionality.
  • For further details, refer to our Cookie Policy (if applicable).

8. Data Sharing & Security

  • We do not sell or rent personal data.
  • Data is shared with third-party service providers (e.g., email platforms) only when necessary.
  • We implement robust security measures to protect personal data.

9. Your Rights Under UK GDPR, you have rights including:

  • Access to your data.
  • Request correction of your data.
  • Object to or restrict processing (subject to legitimate interest assessments).
  • Right to opt out of communications at any time.

10. Retention Policy We retain data only as long as necessary for our charitable purposes or to comply with legal obligations.

11. Contact Us For privacy-related inquiries, contact us at: [Insert ATAS email].