TREE Foundation - Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 12th Aug 2025

The Trust for Records of Enslavement and Emancipation (TREE) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you interact with us through our website www.treefoundation.org.uk or in person.

1. Who We Are

The TREE Foundation is a registered charitable organisation (in formation) in England and Wales.
Registered Address: 61 Bridge Street, Kington, HR5 3DJ
Email: info@treefoundation.org.uk

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following information about you:

a) Information you give us directly:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Postal address

  • Payment details (via SumUp or other secure payment processors – we do not store card details)

  • Any information provided in contact forms, event registrations, or donation forms

b) Information we collect automatically:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Pages you visit and time spent on the website (via analytics tools such as Google Analytics)

c) Information from third parties:

  • Payment confirmations from SumUp

  • Social media profile information if you interact with us on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process donations, purchases, and pre-orders

  • Respond to enquiries

  • Send updates, newsletters, and event invitations (if you opt in)

  • Improve our website and user experience

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases:

  • Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your data for a specific purpose.

  • Contract: Processing is necessary for a contract with you (e.g., fulfilling an order).

  • Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with the law.

  • Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (e.g., promoting our charitable work), provided these are not overridden by your rights.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Data

Your personal information is stored securely on encrypted systems. We implement technical and organisational measures to protect against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.

Where we use third-party providers (e.g., SumUp, Mailchimp, Google Workspace), we ensure they meet UK GDPR compliance standards.

6. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data.
We may share your data only with:

  • Service providers (e.g., SumUp for payments, email newsletter platforms)

  • Regulatory bodies if required by law

  • Event partners if you sign up to joint events, and only with your consent

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law.
For example:

  • Donation records: 6 years (for HMRC compliance)

  • Mailing list contact details: until you unsubscribe

  • Event registration data: deleted within 12 months after the event

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction of your data

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Withdraw consent at any time

  • Object to or restrict processing

  • Data portability (receive a copy in a machine-readable format)

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@treefoundation.org.uk.

9. Cookies

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Cookies help us:

  • Remember your preferences

  • Analyse website traffic

  • Provide secure log-ins for payment or account areas

You can manage cookies in your browser settings. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

10. Third-Party Links

Our site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date”.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, contact us:
Email: info@treefoundation.org.uk
Post: TREE Foundation, 61 Bridge Street, Kington, HR5 3DJ