AGI Privacy Statement
As a not-for-profit organisation, AGI is exempt from data protection registration but is subject to the Data Protection Act. AGI's Privacy Statement demonstrates its firm commitment to respecting and guarding its members' privacy.
AGI's privacy policy is based on one overriding principle: it will not sell, rent or lease personally identifiable information to others, unless it has permission, or is required to do so by law. This policy is reflected in AGI's maintenance of its databases of members, interested parties and stakeholders as well as through the management of its website and information contained in general IT storage media. All usage of AGI's databases, personally identifiable information and website is governed by this policy. All activity carried out under the auspices of AGI is also governed by this policy so that members' personal information is protected at all times.
Website
AGI has structured its website such that, for public areas, a variety of online information and services can be accessed without the need to identify or reveal any personal information. Should a user choose to provide AGI with any information through which it can be identified (for example, logging into the password-protected members area or filling in an online order form), this information will only be used to support a customer relationship with AGI or to contact you in line with our Communications Policy outlined below, unless AGI has express permission to do otherwise.
IP address: AGI uses an IP address to help diagnose problems with its server and to administer its website. IP addresses are also used to gather broad demographic information.
Cookies: a cookie is a small text file that can only be read by the site that places it; in other words, AGI cannot determine where a user has been browsing or what information has been obtained from other websites based on any other cookies a browser has collected. Cookies are used on this site and others to verify login information, and to optionally store passwords in browsers so that there is no need to type it in each time a particular site is visited.
Online forms: AGI's registration, online ordering and information request forms require users to provide contact and demographic information. No personal information is extracted from these forms for any purpose other than to complete on-line business transactions, to contact you in line with our Communications Policy outlined below or to exchange necessary information with AGI's members.
Discussion forums: The site provides facilities enabling discussion forums for AGI members. Participation in forums is of course completely voluntary and is at the member's own discretion. Any information disclosed in these areas has the potential to become public information because of the nature of the participation process. Caution should therefore be exercised in disclosing any personal information to other forum participants.
E-mail lists: European laws will also always be strictly adhered to with regards to informing and allowing users to opt out of receiving unsolicited e-mail or other forms of communication; refer to the Opting out section below for more information.
Using Information
In general, AGI uses information to update members on services offered, to communicate on important issues, and to complete business transactions. The data contained in customer order forms and information forms is used to request information and to order products and services.
Personal information may also be used for market research surveys or to provide marketing information that may benefit a user or a user's business. Any information that is collected, for example demographic and profile data will be compiled on an aggregate basis only. Personal information from individuals will not be shared with any third parties unless permission is obtained from those individuals.
Sharing information
Unless AGI has permission or is required by law, it will not sell, rent, or lease personally identifiable information to others. AGI has business relationships with other organisations that may provide additional information and services to its members. Unless permission is granted from a member, which may be necessary for example in ordering products or requesting information from a business partner, any information that is collected from its members is shared only in aggregate form with any of AGI's business partners. AGI is not responsible, however, for the privacy practices of its business partners.
Security Precautions
AGI has security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of information under the AGI's control. For example, on the web site, member-specified information is used to authenticate the identity of members who are logging into password-protected areas of this site. Access to the AGI databases of members, interested parties and stakeholders is strictly controlled and can only be accessed by authorised permanent and temporary staff and volunteers of AGI.
Updates
AGI's privacy policy and practices will be updated as required in response to new technologies, business practices, our members changing needs and to comply with UK and EU law. When changes are made, its Privacy Statement will be updated accordingly, and the revision date will be displayed prominently at the bottom of this Statement.
Communications Policy
AGI and its affiliates would like to stay in touch with you about our range of services, marketing opportunities and events. If you do not wish to be contacted by us in relation to services similar to any which you have expressed an interest in while using this website, or wish to discontinue receiving any communications from AGI, please contact susan.walter@agi.org.uk
Use and Storage of Data
AGI provides members with the option to:
- request removal of personal information from AGI's database
- modify and/or update information previously provided
- discontinue receiving services altogether
To exercise any or all of the above options, please submit a request using the contact information reproduced below.
Contacting Us
If a member wishes to opt out of any information, business or membership relationships, or if has any questions about this privacy statement or the practices of AGI in general, please contact the AGI Chief Operating Officer, alan.wilks@agi.org.uk.
AGI Council, April 2004
Updated June 2007
