At Sandwell Catalyst, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of any personal information you share with us. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you engage with us, including when you sign up for our services through our website.

Sandwell Catalyst is a platform dedicated to supporting social enterprises, charities, and private sector organisations to drive positive change within the community. Our services involve collaboration, training, and reporting to funding bodies and government agencies to improve the sector. SWEDA (Sandwell Enterprise Development Agency) acts as the data handler, as they own and manage access to the Plinth CRM, directory, and reporting software that stores user data.

When you sign up with Sandwell Catalyst, we may collect the following
information:

• Personal Information: Name, contact information.
• Business Information: Business format, address, contact details, services offered, and organisation size.
• Financial Information: Limited financial data for reporting purposes, such as turnover.
• Demographic Data: Ethnicity details to support sector diversity analysis.

We collect and process your data for the following purposes:

• Supporting Social Enterprises & Businesses: To provide tailored services and connect organisations within the sector.
• Reporting to Funding Bodies & Government Agencies: Anonymous statistical data is shared with West Midlands Combined Authority and other
  stakeholders to assess business sector needs and inform funding decisions.
• Communication: To provide updates, newsletters, and event invitations related to Sandwell Catalyst.
• Service Improvement: To enhance the user experience and improve our offerings based on collected insights.

Your personal data will never be shared for commercial marketing or sold to third
parties.

Your data is securely stored in the Plinth CRM system, managed by SWEDA. We implement strict security measures to protect your information from
unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.

We retain your data for the duration of the project in accordance with SWEDA’s retention policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

We share only anonymous, statistical data with the following organisations:

• Funding bodies (e.g., West Midlands Combined Authority)
• Government agencies
• Partner organisations (for sector improvement and development)

Your identifiable personal data is never shared for third-party marketing purposes.

You have the right to:

• Access your data – Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct inaccuracies – Update or amend any incorrect or outdated details.
• Request deletion – Ask us to remove your data from our systems.

To exercise these rights, please contact Sandwell Catalyst at davinder@sweda.org.uk. Requests will be processed in accordance with legal obligations.