Introduction
This privacy notice explains how personal information is collected, used and protected through the Community Energy Network (CEN) website and associated activities.
The Community Energy Network is a partnership project funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund and running from 2025 to 2028. The project supports community-led action on energy, climate and sustainability across Bath and North East Somerset.
This notice applies to:
- the CEN website
- newsletter subscription
- event registrations
- surveys and feedback forms
- community engagement activities
- related communications and project delivery activities
This notice should be read alongside the main Bath & North East Somerset Council privacy policy.
About the Community Energy Network Partnership
The Community Energy Network is delivered collaboratively by:
- Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE)
- University of Bath
- Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
- Community Wellbeing Hub
Bath & North East Somerset Council acts as the lead organisation for the website and associated communications.
Partner organisations may process personal information where necessary for agreed Community Energy Network purposes, including programme delivery, community engagement, events, research, monitoring and evaluation activities, in accordance with formal data sharing arrangements and data protection legislation.
Who is responsible for your information
Bath & North East Somerset Council is the data controller for personal information collected through the CEN website unless otherwise stated.
Contact details
Bath & North East Somerset Council
Lewis House
Manvers Street
Bath
BA1 1JG
Email: community_energy@bathnes.gov.uk
Data Protection Officer: dataprotection@bathnes.gov.uk
What information we collect
Depending on how you interact with the Community Energy Network, we may collect:
- your name
- email address
- telephone number
- organisation or group name
- postcode or location information
- information submitted through forms, surveys or consultations
- newsletter preferences
- event registration information
- accessibility or dietary requirements for events where relevant
- correspondence and enquiries
- website usage and analytics information
- technical information such as IP address, browser type and device information
We only collect information necessary for the relevant activity or service.
How we use your information
We may use your information to:
- respond to enquiries and requests
- manage newsletter subscriptions and communications
- administer events, workshops and training sessions
- support delivery of Community Energy Network activities
- carry out surveys, consultations and community engagement
- monitor participation and evaluate project outcomes
- undertake research and reporting connected to the project
- improve the website and user experience
- fulfil legal and regulatory obligations
- maintain website and information security
Lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR, the lawful bases we rely on may include:
Public task
Processing necessary for the performance of tasks carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the Council.
Consent
Where you choose to subscribe to newsletters, complete optional surveys or sign up for communications, we rely on your consent. You may withdraw consent at any time.
Legitimate interests
In some circumstances, processing may be necessary for the legitimate interests of the Council and Community Energy Network partners in delivering and improving project activities and services.
Newsletter and communications
If you subscribe to Community Energy Network updates, your contact details will be processed for the purpose of sending newsletters, updates, event information and related communications.
Newsletter communications are managed using Mailchimp.
You can unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link included in emails or by contacting us directly.
Events, Surveys and Forms
If you register for events, workshops or training sessions, your information may be collected through systems including Eventbrite and Microsoft Forms.
Information collected may include:
- your contact details
- organisation name
- attendance information
- accessibility or dietary requirements where relevant
Survey responses and feedback
This information is used to:
- administer bookings and attendance
- communicate event updates
- evaluate participation and outcomes
- improve future activities and services
Survey responses may be anonymised for reporting and evaluation purposes.
Sharing your information
Your information may be shared with:
- authorised officers within Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Community Energy Network partner organisations where necessary for project delivery
- contracted service providers supporting communications, website hosting, surveys, analytics or event management
- regulatory or law enforcement bodies where required by law
We do not sell personal information to third parties.
All information sharing is carried out in accordance with data protection legislation and appropriate security measures.
Third-Party Providers
We use trusted third-party providers to support delivery of Community Energy Network services and activities, including:
- Mailchimp for email communications and newsletters
- Eventbrite for event registration and management
- Microsoft Forms for surveys, registrations and contact forms
These providers process personal information on our behalf under contractual arrangements and appropriate safeguards.
International Transfers
Some third-party providers may process personal information outside the United Kingdom or European Economic Area.
Where this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.
Cookies and Website Analytics
The website may use cookies and analytics tools to help us understand how visitors use the site and improve services and user experience.
For more information, please refer to the Council’s cookies and website policies.
How long we keep your information
We only keep personal information for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected and in accordance with the Council’s retention schedules and legal obligations.
Newsletter subscription information will be retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law, you have rights including:
- the right to access your personal data
- the right to request correction of inaccurate data
- the right to request deletion in certain circumstance
- the right to restrict or object to processing
- the right to withdraw consent where consent is relied upon
- the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
To exercise your rights, contact: dataprotection@bathnes.gov.uk
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your information has been handled, please contact the Council’s Data Protection Officer in the first instance.
You also have the right to complain to the:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
Changes to this Privacy Notice
We may update this privacy notice from time to time. Any significant changes will be published on this page.
