Privacy Policy

Introduction

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is the data controller for the personal information we hold about you. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Data Controller: Meningitis Research Foundation
Address: Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ
Email: info@mresearchfoundation.com

What Data We Collect

We collect different types of personal information depending on how you interact with us:

Personal Information

Name, address, email, phone number
Date of birth (for age verification)
Bank account details (for lottery players)
Payment information (for donations)

Technical Information

IP address and browser type
Device information
Website usage data via cookies
Email engagement metrics

How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

Lottery Entries: Process weekly entries, notify winners, and distribute prizes
Donations: Process donations and issue receipts (including Gift Aid)
Support Services: Provide information, advice, and support to those affected by meningitis
Communications: Send lottery results, charity updates, and fundraising appeals (with your consent)
Website Improvement: Analyze usage to improve user experience
Legal Compliance: Age verification, anti-money laundering checks, and regulatory requirements

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following legal bases:

Contractual Necessity: To fulfill lottery entries and process donations
Consent: For marketing communications and optional services
Legitimate Interests: To improve services and ensure security
Legal Obligation: Age verification, AML compliance, and charity regulations

Who We Share Data With

We may share your data with trusted third parties:

Woods Valldata: Our external lottery manager for payment processing
Payment Processors: Secure payment handling for donations
Email Service Providers: To send communications you've requested
Analytics Providers: Google Analytics (anonymized data)
Legal/Regulatory Authorities: When required by law

We never sell your data to third parties.

Data Security

SSL encryption for all data transmission
Secure UK-based servers with regular backups
Strict access controls for staff members
Regular security audits and updates
Data breach notification procedures in place

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
Right to Object: Object to processing for marketing or legitimate interests
Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making: We do not use automated decision-making

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@mresearchfoundation.com. We will respond within 30 days.

Cookies

We use cookies to improve your website experience. For full details, see our Cookie Policy.

Cookie types:

Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality (cannot be disabled)
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand user behavior (can be disabled)
Marketing Cookies: Track campaign effectiveness (can be disabled)

Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as necessary:

Lottery Players: For the duration of your subscription plus 7 years (financial records)
Donors: 7 years for Gift Aid and financial records
Marketing Contacts: Until you unsubscribe or 2 years of inactivity
Website Visitors: Cookies expire after 2 years or when cleared

Children's Privacy

Our lottery is only available to those 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 18. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact & Complaints

For privacy queries or to exercise your rights:

Email: info@mresearchfoundation.com
Phone: 0808 80 10 388
Post: Data Protection Officer, Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, GL5 3TJ

You have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

Website: ico.org.uk
Phone: 0303 123 1113