Privacy Policy

Who we are

The Online Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is a membership organisation whose purposes are to:

• To provide a virtual platform for members of all skill levels to meet online for fibre related discussions and the opportunity to learn and share new skills and techniques, especially relating to spinning, weaving and dyeing in their many forms.
• To provide access to a virtual library of extensive fibre and textile related topics and resources.
• To provide opportunities for members worldwide to learn and to teach.
• To encourage members of the guild to demonstrate to and teach members of the public wherever opportunities arise. 

In furtherance of the above objectives, the Guild has the following powers to:

• Encourage and maintain integrity and excellence in craftsmanship.
• Foster a sense of beauty of material, texture, colour and design.
• Exchange information and enlarge knowledge by virtually delivered short courses, demonstrations, lectures and resources.

Our membership administrator can be contacted at membership@onlineguildwsd.org.uk.

What personal data we collect

When you apply for membership or we administer your membership, we may hold:

• Your name and postal address
• Your email address
• Your membership category and journal preference
• Your textile craft interests and experience level
• Records of your membership payments
• Any notes or correspondence relating to your membership

Why we collect it and our legal basis

We process your data to administer your Guild membership (contractual necessity), to send you the Guild journal and communications (legitimate interest), and to maintain accurate membership records. Where you have given consent — such as inclusion in the members' email directory — we process data on that basis.

How we use your data

• To process your membership application and renewals
• To send you the Guild journal (print or digital) if applicable
• To contact you about Guild activities, events and news
• To maintain an internal members directory (email only shared with other members where you have consented)
• To produce anonymised statistics about our membership

Who we share it with

We do not sell or pass your personal data to third parties. Data is only shared where necessary to fulfil your membership — for example, a mailing house for journal distribution.

How long we keep it

We retain membership records for the duration of your membership and for 7 years afterwards for financial and administrative purposes. You may request deletion at any time (subject to any legal obligations to retain records).

Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

• Access a copy of the data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to or restrict processing
• Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at membership@onlineguildwsd.org.uk.

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk.

Cookies and website data

Our membership application form uses a session cookie to protect against form fraud. No tracking or advertising cookies are used.