Privacy Policy

## 1. Introduction

Home Ed Network (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website and services.

This policy applies to all users of the Home Ed Network platform, including visitors browsing listings and those submitting information for listings or enquiries.

## 2. Data Controller

Home Ed Network is the data controller for the purposes of UK data protection law. Our contact details are provided in Section 15 of this policy.

## 3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

- **Legitimate interests**: To operate our platform, provide listings, and improve our services
- **Consent**: When you voluntarily provide information or consent to marketing communications
- **Legal obligation**: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- **Vital interests**: In rare circumstances, to protect someone’s safety or wellbeing

## 4. Information We Collect

### 4.1 Information You Provide Directly

- **Listing submissions**: Contact details, organisation information, event details, and descriptions
- **Enquiry forms**: Name, email address, and message content
- **Feedback and surveys**: Your responses and comments
- **Correspondence**: Information in emails or other communications with us

### 4.2 Information Collected Automatically

- **Technical data**: IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system
- **Usage data**: Pages visited, time spent on site, and navigation patterns
- **Cookies and tracking**: See Section 7 for detailed information

### 4.3 Information from Third Parties

- **Social media**: If you interact with our social media accounts
- **Referrals**: Information provided by others when recommending groups or services
- **Public sources**: Information from publicly available sources to verify listings

## 5. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

### 5.1 Core Platform Functions

- Displaying group and event listings
- Processing and responding to enquiries
- Facilitating connections within the home education community
- Maintaining and improving our website functionality

### 5.2 Communication

- Responding to your questions and requests
- Sending service-related notifications
- Providing updates about listings or events (with consent)
- Sending newsletters or promotional content (with consent)

### 5.3 Safety and Legal Compliance

- Protecting children’s safety and preventing harm
- Investigating suspected illegal activity or policy violations
- Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Protecting our rights and interests

### 5.4 Analytics and Improvement

- Understanding how our platform is used
- Improving user experience and functionality
- Conducting research on home education trends (anonymised)

## 6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

### 6.1 Public Information

- **Listings**: Information in group and event listings is publicly visible
- **Directory entries**: Contact details for listed organisations may be publicly displayed

### 6.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us:

- Website hosting and maintenance
- Email communication services
- Analytics providers
- Payment processors (if applicable)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

### 6.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

- Respond to legal process or government requests
- Protect children’s safety or prevent harm
- Investigate potential illegal activity
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions

### 6.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred as part of the business assets.

## 7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

### 7.1 Types of Cookies We Use

- **Essential cookies**: Required for basic website functionality
- **Analytics cookies**: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- **Preference cookies**: Remember your settings and choices
- **Marketing cookies**: Used for advertising and promotional content (with consent)

### 7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

### 7.3 Third-Party Tracking

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) that set their own cookies. These are subject to their respective privacy policies.

## 8. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy:

- **Listing information**: Retained whilst listings are active, plus [1] years for records
- **Enquiry data**: Retained for [1] years to handle follow-up questions
- **Technical data**: Generally retained for [2] months for security and analytics
- **Marketing communications**: Until you withdraw consent or we determine it’s no longer needed

## 9. International Data Transfers

We primarily process data within the UK. If we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

- Adequacy decisions by the UK Government
- Standard contractual clauses approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office
- Other appropriate transfer mechanisms

## 10. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:

### 10.1 Right of Access

You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

### 10.2 Right to Rectification

You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

### 10.3 Right to Erasure

You can request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

### 10.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You can ask us to limit how we use your personal data.

### 10.5 Right to Data Portability

You can request your data in a portable format.

### 10.6 Right to Object

You can object to processing based on legitimate interests or for marketing purposes.

### 10.7 Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making

You have rights regarding automated decision-making and profiling (though we don’t typically engage in these activities).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 15.

## 11. Children’s Privacy

### 11.1 Age Restrictions

Our platform is designed for adults organising home education. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.

### 11.2 Parental Controls

Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children’s internet use and any information they may provide online.

### 11.3 Child Safety

If we become aware of any child safety concerns, we will take appropriate action, which may include reporting to relevant authorities.

## 12. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data, including:

- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and staff training
- Secure hosting and backup procedures

However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

## 13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will:

- Post the updated policy on our website
- Indicate the date of the last update
- Notify users of material changes via email or website notice
- Obtain consent for changes that significantly affect how we use your data

## 14. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data, you can:

1. Contact us directly using the details below
1. Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
- Website: ico.org.uk
- Phone: 0303 123 1113
- Post: Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

## 15. Contact Information

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

**Home Ed Network** 
**Email:** contact@homeednetwork.org