Privacy Policy

Who we are

JoelForChrist.uk is a UK‑based organisation providing administrative support to churches and parishes, including services related to the Church of England Energy Footprint Tool (EFT).

For the purposes of UK data protection law, JoelForChrist.uk is the “data controller” for the personal data described in this notice.

Contact details
Email: [email protected]

Our Approach to Data Protection

We take data protection seriously and are committed to handling personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

We only collect and use personal data where it is genuinely necessary to deliver our services.

What Personal Data We Collect

The personal data we process depends on how you engage with us.

a) Free ETF Helper (Excel Template)

If you download and use our free Excel template:

  • We do not collect, receive, or access any personal data
  • The file remains entirely on your own computer or parish OneDrive
  • No information is transmitted back to us

b) Managed Service

If you use our Managed Service, we may process:

Energy usage and cost information contained in those bills

Parish or organisation contact details (name, email address)

Copies of utility bills (electricity, gas or similar)

How We Use Personal Data

We use personal data only for the following purposes:

  • Delivering the Managed Service you have requested
  • Populating energy tracking tools
  • Preparing or supporting Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) submissions
  • Communicating with you about your service or reporting requirements
  • Providing essential service‑related updates

We do not use personal data for marketing purposes.

Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following lawful bases:

  • Performance of a contract
    Processing is necessary to deliver the services you have asked us to provide
  • Legitimate interests
    To support churches and parishes with energy reporting in a reasonable and expected way, without overriding your rights

We do not rely on consent as the primary lawful basis for core service delivery.

Data Sharing

We do not sell or trade personal data.

We do not share your personal data with third parties, including dioceses or national church bodies, unless:

  • You give us explicit permission, or
  • We are required to do so by law

Data Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

  • Encrypted, password‑protected digital storage
  • Restricted access to service‑related data
  • Secure handling and deletion of source documents

How Long We Keep Data

For Managed Service clients:

Utility bills and source documents are retained only for the duration of the reporting cycle

Once your final return has been delivered and confirmed, all source files are securely deleted

Data will only be retained longer if you explicitly request this

Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Restrict or object to certain processing
  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format (where applicable)

Requests can be made by emailing [email protected].

Right to Complain

If you are concerned about how we handle personal data, you have the right to complain to:

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 123 1113

We encourage you to contact us first so we can try to resolve any issues promptly.

International Data Transfers

We do not transfer personal data outside the United Kingdom.

Is Providing Data Mandatory?

Providing personal data is optional.
However, if you choose not to provide the information required, we may be unable to deliver the templates and service.

Changes to This Privacy Notice

We may update this Privacy Notice from time to time.
The latest version will always be published on our website.