Who We Are

Talks With M.S. is a registered charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect and use your data in accordance with UK data protection law, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

Our Details:

Charity Registration Number: 1201569

Registered Address: 23 Joselyn Close, EN3 6GE

Email: info@talkswithms.co.uk

What Information We Collect

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name, address, email, and telephone number
• Donation history and Gift Aid declarations
• Volunteer information, skills, and availability
• Event registration details and accessibility requirements
• Health information related to M.S. (only with your explicit consent and when necessary for support services)
• Website usage data and cookies (see our Cookie Policy)

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide support services and programmes for people with M.S.
• Process donations and claim Gift Aid
• Organise events, workshops, and support groups
• Manage and coordinate volunteers
• Send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our services and website

Legal Basis for Using Your Information

We process your data based on:

• Your consent for marketing communications and processing sensitive information
• Legitimate interests to operate the charity and provide our services
• Legal obligation to comply with charity and tax law

Sharing Your Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share it with:

• Trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors, email platforms) who help us operate
• Partner charities (only with your permission)
• Legal or regulatory authorities when required by law

All third parties are contractually required to keep your data secure and confidential.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We keep your information only as long as necessary:

• Donor records: 7 years (for Gift Aid and financial reporting)
• Volunteer records: 6 years after volunteering ends
• Marketing preferences: until you withdraw consent

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your information (in certain circumstances)
• Restrict how we use your information
• Object to processing for marketing or based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Receive your data in a portable format

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

Keeping Your Information Secure

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including secure storage, access controls, encryption, and staff training. When we no longer need your data, we securely delete or anonymise it.

Marketing Communications

We will only send you marketing communications if you have consented to receive them. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails, contacting us directly, or updating your preferences on our website.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can manage cookie settings through your browser. For full details, please see our Cookie Policy on our website.

Children

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 16 without parental consent. If you believe we hold information about your child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website, and where appropriate, we will notify you by email.

Contact Us or Make a Complaint

If you have questions about this policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Talks With M.S.

Email: info@talkswithms.co.uk

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner Office (ICO): Terri-Louise Brown

ICO

Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF

Website: www.ico.org.uk

Helpline: 0303 123 1113