Last updated: [5th March 2025]

Introduction

Glory House Churches International (“GHCI,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data when you engage with our church, visit our website, or use our services.

We process your personal data in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By continuing to use our services, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Who We Are

Glory House Churches International is a Christian charity registered in the UK (Charity Number: 1016583). We act as the data controller, meaning we determine how and why your personal data is processed.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us:

Email: gdprconsent@gloryhouse.org.uk
Address: The Data Security Manager, Glory House Churches International, Springfield, Chelmsford, CM2 5TH, UK

What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following personal data:

  • Contact details: Name, email, phone number, postal address.
  • Service-related data: Volunteer roles, membership records, event attendance.

We collect this data directly from you or, in some cases, from third parties (e.g., references from employers for employment applications).

How We Use Your Personal Data

We process your personal data only where permitted by law. Below are the key reasons why we process your data:

Purpose Legal Basis
Membership & Worship Services Legitimate interest – to manage church activities and communicate with members.
Donations & Tithes Performance of a contract and legal obligation (e.g., HMRC Gift Aid claims).
Events & Volunteering Legitimate interest – to manage and facilitate church activities.
Pastoral Care & Counselling Consent – where required for sensitive personal data.
Employment & Staff Management Performance of a contract and legal obligation.
Marketing & Communications Legitimate interest – where relevant to church activities.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance Legal obligation – e.g., safeguarding, tax, or regulatory reporting.


How We Protect Your Data

We implement appropriate security measures to:

  • Prevent unauthorised access, loss, or disclosure of personal data.
  • Ensure confidentiality with restricted access for staff and volunteers handling sensitive data.
  • Use secure processing systems for financial transactions and communications.


Who We Share Your Data With

We do not sell or rent your data.

How Long We Retain Your Data

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy. Retention periods include:

  • Membership & attendance records – retained for as long as you remain active with the church.
  • Donation records – retained for six years for tax compliance.
  • Health information – retained only for the duration of relevant events or services.
  • Employment records – retained for six years post-employment.

After these periods, data is securely deleted or anonymised.


Your Data Protection Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data.
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Request deletion of your data (where legally applicable).
  • Restrict processing under certain conditions.
  • Object to processing for direct marketing or certain legitimate interests.
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at gdprconsent@gloryhouse.org.uk.

If you are dissatisfied with our response please contact us to resolve any issues or concern at gdprconsent@gloryhouse.org.uk before you exercise your right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): www.ico.org.uk

International Data Transfers

All personal data is processed within the UK and the EU. If any data transfers outside these regions occur, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place in line with UK GDPR.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices, so we encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any data.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.

Contact Us

For any privacy-related queries, contact:

📧 Email: gdprconsent@gloryhouse.org.uk
📍 Address: The Data Security Manager, Glory House Churches International, Springfield, Chelmsford, CM2 5TH, UK