The Iran Society
privacy policy

1.    INTRODUCTION

The Iran Society (“the Society”) is a registered charity and our registered charity number is 1200807. We take our responsibilities as a data controller seriously and are committed to using the personal data we hold in accordance with the law. 

This privacy notice provides information about how we process personal data. Please read it carefully and, if you have questions regarding your personal data or its use, please contact the Secretary by email on info@iransociety.org; by telephone on 020 7235 5122; or by post at Hudson House, 8 Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PP.

2.    TYPES OF PERSONAL DATA WE PROCESS

We process personal data about prospective, current and past members of the Society; applicants for funding; staff, suppliers and contractors including lecturers; donors and supporters.

The personal data we process includes:

  • Names, addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses;

  • Whether or not members and donors are UK tax payers, so that we can claim gift aid;

  • Academic background of applicants seeking travel or study grants;

  • Meetings or events attended.

 

3.    COLLECTING, HANDLING AND SHARING PERSONAL DATA

We collect most of the personal data we process directly from the individual concerned as supplied on the Membership Application Form. In some cases, we collect data from third parties (for example, referees or professionals working with the individual) or from publicly available sources.

Personal data held by us is processed by appropriate members of staff for the purposes for which the data was provided. We take appropriate technical and organisational steps to ensure the security of personal data about individuals. We do not transfer personal data to third parties unless we have specific consent to do so or are so required by law.

4.    PURPOSES FOR WHICH WE PROCESS PERSONAL DATA 

We process personal data to support the Society’s aims, and in particular for:

  • The admission of new members;

  • The collection of subscriptions and gift aid;

  • The award of grants to applicants to further their studies;

  • The selection and invitation of lecturers;

  • The issue of invitations to the Society’s lectures and other events.

 

5.    HOW LONG WE KEEP PERSONAL DATA

We retain personal data only for a legitimate and lawful reason and only for so long as necessary or required by law.

6.    YOUR RIGHTS

You have various rights under Data Protection Law to access and understand the personal data we hold about you, and in some cases to ask for it to be erased or amended or for us to stop processing it, but subject to certain exemptions and limitations.  

You always have the right to withdraw consent, where given. If you would like to access or amend your personal data, or have some other objection to how your personal data is used, please make your request in writing to the Secretary. 

We will respond to any such written requests as soon as is reasonably practicable and in any event within statutory time-limits, which is one month in the case of requests for access to information. We may charge a proportionate fee, but only where Data Protection Law allows it.

You should be aware that certain data is exempt from the right of access. This may include information which identifies other individuals, or information which is subject to legal privilege. We are also not required to disclose any confidential reference given by the Society for the purposes of the education, training or employment of any individual.

7.    CHANGE OF DETAILS 

We try to ensure that all personal data held in relation to an individual is as up to date and accurate as possible.  Changes can be made by you directly on your member’s page on the Society’s website; alternatively please notify info@iransociety.org or write to the Secretary of any significant changes to important information, such as contact details, held about you.

8.    THIS POLICY 

We will update this Privacy Notice from time to time. Any substantial changes that affect how we process your personal data will be notified on our website and to you directly, as far as practicable.

If you believe that we have not complied with this policy or have acted otherwise than in accordance with Data Protection Law, you should notify the Secretary. You can also make a referral to or lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), although the ICO recommends that steps are taken to resolve the matter with us before involving them. 

January 2025