Privacy Policy
Peace Matters is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data when you interact with us, including through our website, donations, fundraising activities, and communications.
This policy is written in accordance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Charity Commission guidance, and HMRC requirements.
Who We Are
Peace Matters is a UK registered charity and the data controller for the purposes of data protection law.
Registered Address:
244 Queenswood Drive, Leeds, LS6 3ND
Email:
[email protected]
Our Commitment to Transparency
In line with Charity Commission guidance, we are committed to:
Being clear about how and why we use personal data
Collecting only what is necessary
Keeping information secure
Respecting your rights and preferences
We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.
Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights in relation to your personal data:
Right to be informed about how your data is used
Right of access to request a copy of your data
Right to rectification to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Right to erasure (where legally applicable)
Right to restrict processing in certain circumstances
Right to object, particularly to direct marketing
Right to data portability, where applicable
To exercise your rights, contact: [email protected]
We aim to respond within 30 days.
Personal Data We Collect
We collect personal information depending on how you interact with us. This may include:
Website usage
Donations (online, bank transfer, phone, post, or in person)
Gift Aid declarations
Fundraising event registrations
Communications by email, phone, letter, or contact forms
Job applications
Prize draws or competitions
Engagement with our social media channels
What Information We Collect
This may include:
Name
Postal address
Email address
Telephone number
Donation and payment records
Sensitive personal data is collected only where necessary and lawful (e.g. health information for physically demanding fundraising events).
How We Use Your Information
We use personal data to:
Process donations and payments
Administer Gift Aid
Provide information or services you request
Confirm donations and event registrations
Respond to enquiries
Send updates on appeals, projects, and events (where consent or legitimate interest applies)
Improve our website, services, and charitable activities
Meet legal, accounting, and regulatory obligations
Lawful Basis for Processing
We process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:
Consent
Performance of a contract (e.g. processing a donation)
Legal obligation (e.g. HMRC, Charity Commission requirements)
Legitimate interests, where your rights do not override these interests
Payments, Donations & Financial Data
Peace Matters accepts donations via:
Online card payments through Stripe
Direct bank transfers
Telephone, postal, or in-person payments
Online Donations via Stripe
Online card payments are processed securely by Stripe.
Peace Matters does not store or access full card details
Stripe is PCI-DSS compliant
Stripe acts as a separate data controller and processes data in line with its own privacy policy
Direct Bank Transfers
For bank transfers, we process only the information required to:
Identify the donation
Maintain accurate financial records
Process Gift Aid where applicable
Meet legal and accounting obligations
Telephone, Postal & In-Person Payments
Payment details are handled securely
Card details are not retained
Records are kept only as required by law
Gift Aid Declarations
Information We Collect for Gift Aid
If you choose to add Gift Aid to your donation, we collect:
Full name
Home address (including postcode)
Donation details
Confirmation that you are a UK taxpayer
This information is required by HMRC.
How We Use Gift Aid Information
Gift Aid data is used only to:
Submit Gift Aid claims to HMRC
Maintain compliant financial records
Respond to HMRC audits or enquiries
Retention of Gift Aid Data
Gift Aid records are retained for 7 years, as required by HMRC.
Sharing Gift Aid Data
Gift Aid information is shared only with:
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Auditors or regulators where legally required
Marketing & Communications
We will only send marketing communications where:
You have given consent, or
We have a legitimate interest and you have not opted out
You can withdraw consent at any time by:
Using unsubscribe links in communications, or
Emailing [email protected]
If you opt out, your details will be placed on a suppression list to ensure you are not contacted again.
Sharing Your Information
We may share your data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:
Payment processors (e.g. Stripe)
Banks and financial institutions
HMRC (Gift Aid)
Mailing and communications providers
Event organisers and travel providers (for fundraising events)
IT and website service providers
Law enforcement or regulators where legally required
All third parties are required to handle your data securely and lawfully.
How Long We Keep Your Data
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for its purpose, or as required by law.
Retention periods include:
Gift Aid records: 7 years
Financial and accounting records: as required by law
How We Keep Your Data Secure
We protect personal data through:
Encryption at rest and in transit
Restricted staff access
Secure systems and providers
Regular security and process reviews
Website Use & Cookies
You can browse our website without identifying yourself.
We may collect IP addresses for security and analytics. Cookies may be used to support functionality and improve user experience.
Types of Cookies We Use
Necessary cookies – essential for website and donation functionality
Analytics cookies – help us understand site usage
Advertising cookies – ensure relevant advertising where applicable
You can manage cookie preferences via the footer link or your browser settings.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page.
We encourage you to review it periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Peace Matters is committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting your personal information in line with UK law and Charity Commission guidance.