PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated June 02, 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Force – Display Team of Champion Drum Majors (‘we’, ‘us’, or ‘our’) is a not-for-profit organization based in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. We operate the website https://theforce.events (the ‘Site’) and provide professional Drum Major performance displays, tuition through The Force Academy, and merchandise sales via https://theforce.events/store/ (collectively, the ‘Services’). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you use our Services, in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and other applicable laws.

As the data controller, we determine how and why your personal data is processed. For questions, concerns, or to exercise your data protection rights, contact us at info@theforce.events.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect personal data to deliver and improve our Services. The types of data depend on your interaction with us:

DATA YOU PROVIDE

  • Performance and Tuition Bookings: When booking a performance or registering for tuition, we collect your name, email address, phone number, organisation details (if applicable), billing information, and event-specific details (e.g., date, location, or requirements).
  • Merchandise Purchases: When purchasing from https://theforce.events/store/, we collect your name, billing and shipping addresses, email address, phone number, and payment information (processed securely via third-party payment gateways).
  • Submissions and Contributions: If you submit feedback, questions, reviews, or participate in forums or surveys via the Site, we collect your name, contact details, and the content of your submissions.
  • Contact Inquiries: When you contact us (e.g., via email or Site forms), we collect your name, email address, and any information included in your message.

DATA COLLECTED AUTOMATICALLY

  • Device Information: When you visit the Site, we collect data about your device, such as IP address, browser type, operating system, time zone, and pages visited, using technologies like:
    • Cookies: Data files enabling Site functionality and analytics. Essential cookies support navigation and purchases; analytics cookies track usage trends. Learn more at http://www.allaboutcookies.org.
    • Log Files: Record actions on the Site, including IP address, browser type, internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
    • Web Beacons/Tags/Pixels: Track browsing behaviour to improve Site performance.
  • This data helps us optimiSe the Site, monitor security, and analyse user behaviour

DATA FROM THIRD PARTIES

We may receive limited data from third-party providers, such as payment processors (e.g., payment confirmation) or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics for aggregated usage data). These providers are UK GDPR-compliant.

HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

We process personal data based on the following lawful grounds under UK GDPR:

  • Contract: To fulfill bookings, deliver tuition, process merchandise orders, and provide invoices or confirmations.
  • Legitimate Interest: To improve our Services (e.g., analysing Site usage, optimising performance schedules, or enhancing merchandise offerings) and to screen for fraud or security risks (e.g., using IP addresses to detect suspicious activity).
  • Consent: To send promotional emails about events, tuition, or merchandise, where you have opted in. You may withdraw consent at any time.
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with laws, such as tax reporting or responding to regulatory requests.

Specific uses include:

  • Communicating with you about bookings, orders, or inquiries.
  • Arranging performance logistics or shipping merchandise.
  • Generating analytics to improve Site functionality and user experience.
  • Protecting against fraud or unauthorised access.

HOW WE SHARE YOUR DATA

We do not sell your personal data. We share data only as necessary:

  • Service Providers: With third parties (e.g., payment processors, shipping companies, or Google Analytics) to process payments, deliver merchandise, or analyse Site usage. These providers operate under UK GDPR-compliant agreements. For example:
  • Event Partners: Limited data (e.g., contact details) may be shared with event organisers or venues to coordinate performances, only with your consent or as necessary for the booking.
  • Legal Requirements: To comply with laws, court orders, or regulatory requests (e.g., subpoenas).
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or organisational change, data may be transferred to a successor entity under the same protections.

Data may be transferred to the United States or other countries for processing (e.g., by analytics or payment providers). We use UK GDPR-approved mechanisms, such as Standard Contractual Clauses, to ensure compliance.

DATA SECURITY

We implement industry-standard measures to protect your data:

  • Encryption: HTTPS (TLS 1.2 or higher) for data transmission; AES-256 encryption for sensitive data at rest.
  • Backups: Regular data backups stored in secure UK-based locations.
  • Access Controls: Restricted access to personal data by authorised personnel only.
  • Security Reviews: Periodic assessments to prevent unauthorised access or breaches.

While we strive to protect your data, no system is fully secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
  • Restriction: Limit processing of your data in certain cases.
  • Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format or have it transferred to another controller.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests (e.g., analytics or marketing).
  • Withdraw Consent: Opt out of promotional communications at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact info@theforce.events. We will respond within 30 days, and may require identity verification. If unsatisfied, you can contact the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

DATA RETENTION

We retain data only as long as necessary:

  • Booking and Tuition Data: Kept for 6 years to comply with tax and legal obligations, unless you request earlier deletion.
  • Order Information: Retained for 3 years after order fulfillment, unless required for legal purposes.
  • Device Information: Kept for up to 2 years for analytics, then anonymized.
  • Submissions/Contributions: Retained until you request deletion or they are no longer relevant.

We securely delete or anonymise data when retention periods expire, unless required by law.

COOKIES AND TRACKING

We use:

  • Essential Cookies: For Site functionality (e.g., navigation, checkout).
  • Analytics Cookies: For anonymised usage tracking (e.g., via Google Analytics).
    You can manage cookies via your browser settings or opt out of non-essential cookies. Disabling cookies may affect Site functionality. We do not alter data collection practices based on Do Not Track signals, as our analytics are anonymised.

THIRD-PARTY LINKS

The Site may link to third-party websites (e.g., payment processors or event partners). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing personal data.

CHILDREN’S DATA

Our Services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have such data, contact us to request deletion.

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on the Site with a revised “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be notified via email or Site notice. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

CONTACT US

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, contact:

  • Email: info@theforce.events
  • Address: The Force – Display Team of Champion Drum Majors, 50B Magherafelt Road, Tobermore, BT45 5PJ, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland

You may also contact the ICO at www.ico.org.uk for unresolved concerns.