Effective Date: 14 May 2025
Last Updated: 14 May 2025

The British Society of Ecological Medicine (referred to as “BSEM”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.

1. Who We Are

Data Controller:
British Society of Ecological Medicine (BSEM)
Email: info@bsem.org.uk

We are the data controller for the purposes of data protection laws in the United Kingdom, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. What Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Full name and job title
• Contact details, including email address and phone number
• Demographic information such as postcode, interests and preferences
• Membership details, including account credentials
• Payment and billing information (via secure third-party processor)
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, and cookies
• Information you provide in surveys, forms, or member communications

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Register and manage your membership
• Provide access to members-only content or services
• Improve our website, products, and services
• Send email updates and marketing communications (with your consent)
• Conduct research or collect feedback
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process your data under one or more of the following legal bases:

• Consent – when you have given clear permission (e.g., for email marketing)
• Contract – to fulfil our obligations to you as a member or service user
• Legal Obligation – to meet our legal and compliance duties
• Legitimate Interests – for purposes such as member engagement and website analytics, balanced against your rights and freedoms

5. Email Communication and Marketing

We will only send you promotional communications if you have explicitly opted in. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience and understand how users interact with the site.

We use:

• Necessary cookies – essential for site functionality
• Analytics cookies – to help us improve website performance
• Preference cookies – to remember your settings

You will be asked to give consent for non-essential cookies through a cookie banner when you visit our website. You can update your preferences at any time.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, including any legal or reporting requirements. Membership data is retained for the duration of your account and up to 6 years afterward for administrative and legal purposes.

8. Data Security

We take data security seriously. We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

These include secure servers, encryption, access controls, and regular reviews of our security practices.

9. Sharing Your Data

We will never sell your personal information. We may share your data with trusted third-party providers who help us operate our website or deliver our services (e.g., payment processors, email platforms), under strict data protection agreements.

We may also disclose your data if required to do so by law.

10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”)
• Object to or restrict how we process your data
• Withdraw consent at any time, where applicable
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise any of your rights, contact us at:
info@bsem.org.uk

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to external sites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. We recommend you read the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post any changes on this page and update the “Last Updated” date above.

Please check this page periodically to ensure you are aware of any changes.