Website Privacy & Cookies policy

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR)

Last updated: 11 Jan 2026

1. Who We Are

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR) (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a voluntary search and rescue charity providing support to the emergency services in Berkshire and surrounding areas.

Website: https://www.berkshirerescue.org.uk/
Contact email: [email protected]

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data via our website:

Email addresses (HubSpot)
Name (where provided)
Donation-related information (handled by third-party providers)
Any information you choose to include when contacting us
Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and pages visited (via cookies)

We only collect personal data that is necessary for our charitable purposes and website operation.

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect personal data when you:

Contact us via email or website forms
Sign up to our mailing list
Make a donation via our website
Browse our website (via cookies and analytics tools)

4. How We Use Email Addresses

We use email addresses to:

Respond to enquiries
Send updates or information you have requested
Communicate about BLSAR’s activities, fundraising, or events
Maintain administrative and operational records
We will only ever use your data for the purpose it was provided.

We do not sell, rent, or trade email addresses.

5. Donations (CAF Donate)

Online donations made through our website are processed securely by CAF Donate, operated by Charities Aid Foundation.

When making a donation:

Your personal and payment information is collected and processed directly by CAF Donate
BLSAR does not store your card or bank details
CAF Donate acts as an independent data controller for donation transactions

CAF Donate’s privacy policy can be viewed on their website. We recommend reviewing it to understand how your data is handled during the donation process.

6. Mailing Lists and Communications (HubSpot)

We use HubSpot to manage mailing lists and email communications.

When you sign up to receive updates:

Your email address (and any other information you provide) is stored securely within HubSpot
HubSpot acts as a data processor on our behalf
Emails are sent only in accordance with your preferences

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

7. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), we process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

Consent – for mailing lists and optional communications
Legitimate interests – responding to enquiries and operating the charity
Legal obligation – complying with charity, financial, or regulatory requirements

You may withdraw consent at any time, to do so contact [email protected]

8. How We Store and Protect Your Data

Data is stored securely using appropriate technical and organisational safeguards
Access is restricted to authorised individuals
Data is retained only for as long as necessary for its intended purpose

9. Sharing Your Data

We may share personal data only:

Where required by law
With trusted service providers (e.g. website hosting, email platforms) who are contractually required to comply with data protection legislation

We never share data unnecessarily or for commercial gain.

10. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your data
Restrict or object to processing
Withdraw consent at any time
Complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk

11. Cookies Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help the website function and improve user experience.

Cookies We Use

Essential cookies – required for basic website functionality
Analytics cookies – help us understand how visitors use the site

We do not use cookies to personally identify individuals.

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including donation platforms. BLSAR is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.

13. Changes to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with an updated date.