TECH SY Privacy Policy

1. Who is the Data Controller?

TECH SY is delivered by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) on behalf of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). BMBC is the data controller for all personal data collected via the TECH SY website and related services, including newsletter sign-ups.

BMBC is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number Z5121328. For more information, please see Your privacy and the ICO website.

2. What Personal Data Do We Collect?

Depending on your interaction with the website, we may collect:

Name
Email address
Business name (if applicable)
Ethnicity and gender (where relevant for programme monitoring)
Newsletter subscription preferences
IP address and website usage data (via cookies and analytics)
Any other information you provide via forms or correspondence

If you sign up for our newsletter, we will collect your email address and any preferences you indicate. We may also collect engagement data (e.g., which emails you open) to improve our communications.

3. How Will Your Data Be Used and Shared?

Your data will be used to:

Provide you with updates, newsletters, and information about TECH SY and related programmes
Track and evaluate the effectiveness of our support services
Monitor and report to SYMCA and other relevant authorities for programme evaluation
Improve our website and services

Your data may be shared with:

SYMCA and its appointed evaluators for monitoring and evaluation
Relevant local authorities for business support coordination
External contractors commissioned for programme evaluation (only as necessary and with appropriate safeguards)

We will never sell your data or share it with third parties for unrelated marketing purposes. Data shared for evaluation will be minimised and anonymised where possible.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under Article 6(1)(b) of the UK GDPR (“necessary for the performance of a contract or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract”) and, where you have opted in to receive newsletters, under your explicit consent.

5. Newsletter and Marketing Communications

We comply with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR. You will only receive newsletters and marketing communications if you have actively opted in. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

6. Data Retention

We will not keep your personal data for longer than necessary. As a minimum, data will be retained for two years after the closure of the programme, unless required otherwise by law.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request correction or deletion of your data (where justified)
Withdraw consent for newsletter communications at any time
Lodge a complaint with the ICO if you believe your data is not being handled lawfully

Please note: Some rights, such as the right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”) and data portability, may not apply in all circumstances for TECH SY programme participants.

8. Automated Decision Making

Your personal data will not be subject to automated decision making.

9. Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Data is stored securely and only accessible to authorised personnel.

10. Contact Details

If you have any questions, wish to exercise your rights, or want to make a complaint, please contact the TECH SY team at TECHSY@barnsley.gov.uk.