Website Privacy & Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

Autonomie is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled safely and responsibly.

This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our website. It applies only to the Autonomie website and does not cover external websites that may be linked from our pages.

2. Who We Are

Autonomie is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (Charity Registration Number: NIC100421).

Autonomie is the Data Controller for any personal data collected through this website.

3. Information We Collect When You Use Our Website

Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Your IP address
• Browser type and device information
• Pages visited and time spent on the site

This information is collected for security, technical administration, and to help us understand how the website is used. It does not usually identify you personally.

Information you provide voluntarily

If you use website forms (for example, a contact or enquiry form), we may collect:

• Your name
• Email address
• Any information you choose to include in your message

We only collect information that is necessary to respond to your enquiry.

4. How We Use Website Information

We use information collected through the website to:

• Respond to enquiries or messages
• Improve website performance and usability
• Monitor website security
• Understand how visitors use the site

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data collected through the website.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process website data using one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Consent – where you choose to submit information or accept cookies
• Legitimate interests – to operate, secure, and improve the website
• Legal obligation – where required by law

6. Cookies

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the website function properly and understand how visitors use it.

Cookies we use

Autonomie may use cookies to:

• Ensure the website works correctly
• Improve user experience
• Collect anonymous website usage statistics

Where analytics cookies are used, data is collected in an aggregated and anonymised form wherever possible.

Managing cookies

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Instructions can usually be found in your browser's help section.

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of this website and limit some features.

7. Third-Party Services

Our website may use trusted third‑party services (such as analytics tools) to help us understand website usage and improve performance.

These providers process data on our behalf and are required to comply with data protection law.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked from our site.

8. Data Retention

We retain website‑related personal data only for as long as necessary to:

• Respond to enquiries
• Meet legal or regulatory obligations
• Maintain website security

Data is reviewed regularly and securely deleted when no longer required.

9. How We Protect Your Data

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data collected through the website, including:

• Secure systems and access controls
• Limiting access to authorised personnel only

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 (in certain circumstances)
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details above.

11. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your personal data has been handled, please contact us first so we can address your concerns.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
🔗 https://ico.org.uk/concerns/

12. Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time to reflect legal or operational changes. The most recent version will always be published on this page.