Data Controller Details
OKB Therapeutics Forum (okbtf.org) respects the privacy and rights of all individuals whose personal data may be processed in connection with the operation of its platform. The data controller is Elowen Hartley, who is responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal data as required under the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The office address is Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PA, United Kingdom. Any queries or concerns about your data can be directed to [email protected]. The data controller ensures that all processing of personal data is consistent with legal obligations and sector-specific guidelines applicable in the United Kingdom.
Lawful Basis for Processing Personal Data
Your personal data is processed only where there is a lawful basis to do so under UK GDPR. The specific legal bases used may include the necessity of processing for the performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, consent provided by you, and legitimate interests pursued by OKB Therapeutics Forum. In every instance, the legal basis for data processing is assessed carefully, documented, and reviewed regularly to ensure that personal data is treated lawfully and fairly. The Forum does not process special categories of personal data except where legally permitted and with appropriate safeguards in place. Where consent is the legal basis for processing, you may withdraw this consent at any time by contacting us at the provided email address.
Types of Personal Data Collected
OKB Therapeutics Forum collects various categories of personal data when you use our services, interact with the website, subscribe to newsletters, or contact our team. The data may include, but is not limited to, your name, email address, IP address, and data provided in communications and form submissions on the website. In addition, technical data such as browser type, device information, and cookies may be collected to improve website functionality and user experience. We strive to collect only the minimal amount of data necessary to fulfill our services and enhance user engagement. All data is handled in strict accordance with data minimisation principles under the UK GDPR.
Purposes of Data Processing
The personal data processed by OKB Therapeutics Forum is used exclusively for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes. These purposes include providing informational resources about pharmaceuticals, diseases, medications, and supplements; maintaining user accounts and preferences; improving the performance and content of the website; responding to enquiries and requests; and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Your data is never used for purposes incompatible with those for which it was collected. Aggregate and anonymised data may also be processed for statistical analysis, research, and reporting, ensuring individual identities are never disclosed. Regular reviews of data processing purposes are conducted to maintain transparency and alignment with user expectations.
Data Retention Policy
OKB Therapeutics Forum is committed to retaining personal data only for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, as outlined in this policy. Retention periods are determined based on statutory requirements, contractual obligations, and best practices in the field of data management. Personal data that is no longer needed will be securely deleted or anonymised, ensuring it cannot be reconstructed or identified. Regular audits are performed to identify and remove obsolete data. In the event of a user request for data erasure in accordance with their rights under the UK GDPR, we will act promptly to comply unless a legal obligation requires further retention. Backup copies are also managed in compliance with data destruction policies.
Data Subject Rights
Under the UK GDPR, you have a set of key rights concerning your personal data. These include the right to access your data, the right to rectification, the right to erasure (the ‘right to be forgotten’), the right to restrict processing, the right to data portability, and the right to object to certain forms of processing. Furthermore, you have the right not to be subject to automated decision-making processes, including profiling. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please email [email protected]. Requests will be handled promptly, and we may require verification of your identity to ensure data security. Information on your rights and how to exercise them is regularly communicated and made available through our platform.
Data Security Measures
Safeguarding your personal data is of paramount importance to OKB Therapeutics Forum. We implement comprehensive technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include the use of encrypted connections, secure servers, regular software updates, access controls, and thorough staff training on data protection best practices. Risk assessments are conducted periodically to identify and address potential threats to data security. Incident response protocols are established to manage and report any data breaches promptly in accordance with UK GDPR obligations. We continually monitor and enhance our security measures to ensure ongoing protection of your personal data.
International Data Transfers
OKB Therapeutics Forum processes personal data primarily within the United Kingdom. In cases where data may be transferred to countries outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area, we ensure that equivalent and appropriate safeguards are in place, such as the use of standard contractual clauses approved by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. These safeguards are designed to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of your personal data throughout the transfer process. We assess risks related to any international transfer and provide clear information to users about mechanisms and protections in use.
Third Party Access and Data Sharing
Your personal data is never sold or unlawfully disclosed to third parties. OKB Therapeutics Forum may share data with trusted service providers or partners only where necessary for the fulfilment of specific services, maintenance of the website, or compliance with legal requirements. All third-party partners are rigorously vetted and bound by data processing agreements to ensure they handle your data in line with UK GDPR standards. Data disclosures to public authorities will only occur when mandated by law after verifying the legitimacy and scope of any such request. Requests by users concerning data sharing practices will be answered with transparency and full disclosure of all relevant information.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Cookies and similar tracking technologies are used by OKB Therapeutics Forum to enhance user experience, support essential website functionality, and collect analytical data. Users are informed of the use of cookies when accessing the website and may manage cookie preferences through browser controls or designated website tools. The types of cookies used are explained in our dedicated cookie policy, including information sufficient for informed consent. Personal data collected through cookies is processed under the same rigorous standards described in this GDPR notice, and you retain all associated rights regarding such data.
Children’s Data
OKB Therapeutics Forum is not intended for use by children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect or process personal data belonging to children. If we become aware that personal data from a child has been collected without appropriate parental or guardian consent, we will act quickly to remove such data from our systems. Parents or guardians who believe their child’s data has been unlawfully collected are encouraged to contact us immediately at [email protected]. We take additional precautions to safeguard and securely handle any data relating to minors where it becomes necessary to process such data.
Contact for Data Protection Issues
Any data subjects who wish to make an enquiry, submit a request, lodge a complaint, or seek clarification regarding their rights or this GDPR statement are strongly encouraged to contact Elowen Hartley by email at [email protected] or by post at Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol, BS8 3PA, United Kingdom. We treat all enquiries regarding data protection as a priority and aim to respond promptly and comprehensively. Further, if you believe your data protection rights have not been upheld, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
