Purpose & Scope – Introduction
The Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit is committed to protecting the personal information entrusted to us as part of our mission, worship, governance, and pastoral care. Our Data Protection Policy explains how we meet our legal and ethical responsibilities under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
This policy applies to all personal data processed by the Circuit, whether handled by ministers, office staff, volunteers, or church officers. It sets out the principles we follow, the lawful bases on which we use personal information, and the rights of individuals whose data we hold. It also explains the responsibilities of the Circuit Meeting, Data Lead, and everyone who works within our churches.
We aim to handle all personal information lawfully, fairly, securely, and transparently, ensuring it is used only for legitimate purposes and kept no longer than necessary. Our approach supports the wider Methodist Church guidance, including the Connexional Data Protection Policy, Privacy Notice, and Record Retention Schedule.
This section outlines the key concepts behind data protection, how we use personal information in the Circuit, and how individuals can access support or raise questions about their data.
Data Retention Policy – Introduction
The Exeter Coast and Country Methodist Circuit is committed to handling personal information with care, integrity, and transparency. As part of our mission and ministry, we collect and use personal data to support the life of our churches, care for our communities, and meet our legal responsibilities.
This webpage provides an overview of our Data Retention Policy, adopted by the Circuit Leadership Team on 26 November 2025, which outlines how long different types of records are kept and how they are securely managed.
Our approach follows:
the Methodist Church in Britain’s Data Protection Policy
the Connexional Record Retention Schedule
the requirements of UK GDPR and UK data protection law
We retain information only for as long as it is needed for its original purpose, or as required by law, and we regularly review and securely dispose of records that are no longer necessary. Some documents of historical significance may be archived with Connexional or local record offices to preserve the story and life of the Circuit.
This policy helps ensure that our churches remain places of good governance, accountability, and trust, where personal information is treated with respect and safeguarded at every stage of its life cycle.
No comments:
Post a Comment