Open Arms Centre – Privacy Notice
Last updated: February 2026
Open Arms Centre respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This notice explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
Who We Are
Open Arms Centre is a registered charity (CCNI 109748) and a company limited by guarantee (NI698388).
Registered office: 34A Ballynure Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5SW.
Email: privacy@openarmscentre.com
What Information We Collect
We may collect and store:
- Name and contact details (email, phone, address)
- Donation and payment information
- Photos or videos from events
- Information about children (provided by parents/guardians)
- Prayer requests or pastoral information you choose to share
- Records of attendance or involvement in church activities
Providing this information is voluntary, but some data is required for us to deliver services, events, or legal obligations.
How We Collect Your Data
We collect information when you:
- Complete forms (online or paper)
- Sign up at events or services
- Contact us directly
- Subscribe to emails or newsletters
Why We Use Your Information and Legal Basis
We process personal data under UK GDPR using the following lawful bases:
| Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| Church administration | Legitimate interests |
| Communication | Consent or legitimate interests |
| Pastoral care | Consent |
| Events | Legitimate interests |
| Donations & Gift Aid | Legal obligation |
| Safeguarding | Legal obligation |
| Record keeping | Legal obligation |
We only use your data where permitted by law.
Sensitive Information
Some information you share (such as prayer requests or pastoral matters) may be classed as special category data. We only process this with your consent or where necessary for pastoral support.
Children’s Data
We only collect children’s information where provided by a parent or guardian and use it solely for ministry or safeguarding purposes.
Sharing Your Data
We do not sell personal data. We may share information where necessary with trusted third parties such as:
- HMRC (for Gift Aid or legal compliance)
- Service providers who support our operations (for example email or database providers)
These organisations must keep your data secure and only process it on our instructions.
International Transfers
Some of our service providers (such as Mailchimp) may store data outside the UK. Where this happens, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.
CCTV
CCTV operates on our premises for safety and security. Footage is stored securely, retained for a limited period, and only accessed when necessary.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain personal data only as long as necessary. Typical retention periods include:
- Gift Aid records — 6 years (legal requirement)
- Safeguarding records — as required by safeguarding guidance
- Mailing lists — until you unsubscribe
- General enquiries — up to 2 years
Data Security
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise your rights, email privacy@openarmscentre.com
You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office:
www.ico.org.uk
Changes to This Notice
We may update this privacy notice occasionally. The latest version will always be available on our website.
Safeguarding Privacy Addendum
Open Arms Centre is committed to protecting children, young people, and adults at risk. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we may collect and process personal data where necessary to ensure safety and wellbeing.
What safeguarding data we may hold
We may collect:
- Contact details for parents or guardians and emergency contacts
- Attendance registers for children’s or youth activities
- Relevant medical or support information provided voluntarily
- Incident or concern reports
- Safeguarding disclosures or allegations
Why we process this information
We use safeguarding data to:
- Protect children and vulnerable individuals
- Meet legal safeguarding obligations
- Respond appropriately to concerns or disclosures
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records
Legal basis for processing
Safeguarding information is processed under the following lawful bases:
- Legal obligation
- Vital interests
- Substantial public interest (safeguarding of children and individuals at risk)
Where sensitive data is involved, we only process information that is necessary and proportionate.
Who we may share safeguarding data with
Where required, we may share safeguarding information with:
- Statutory safeguarding authorities
- Social services
- Police
- Relevant regulatory bodies
We only share information when necessary to protect someone’s safety or where required by law.
Retention of safeguarding records
Safeguarding records are retained securely for as long as required by safeguarding guidance and legal obligations. Access is restricted to authorised safeguarding personnel.
Confidentiality
Safeguarding information is treated as strictly confidential and is only accessible to individuals responsible for safeguarding oversight.