Last updated: March 2026
New Local is committed to protecting your personal data and being transparent about how we collect and use it.
This policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
At a glance
We collect personal data mainly to:
• organise events and programmes
• share publications and insights
• manage participation in our network
• carry out research on public services and communities
We only use personal data where we have a lawful basis to do so, such as legitimate interest or consent.
We do not sell personal data and only share it with trusted service providers where necessary to operate our services.
You can unsubscribe from communications at any time and you have the right to access or request deletion of your data.
If you have questions about this policy, contact info@newlocal.org.uk.
Who we are
New Local is an independent think tank and network working with councils and public service leaders across the UK to develop community-powered public services.
For the purposes of UK data protection law, New Local is the data controller responsible for your personal data.
Personal data we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect the following types of personal data.
1. Contact information
This may include:
- name
- job title
- organisation
- email address
- telephone number
- professional location or region.
We usually collect this information when you register for events, subscribe to updates, download publications, or interact with New Local staff.
2. Event participation information
If you attend our events we may collect:
- event registration details
- participation information
- feedback responses
- screenshots or recordings from online sessions.
Events may also be photographed or recorded for learning and promotional purposes. Participants are informed in advance and given the opportunity to opt out.
3. Research contributions
When you participate in research we may collect:
- interview responses
- survey responses
- insights or professional opinions relating to public policy or practice.
This information helps us analyse trends and develop insights about local government, communities and public services.
4. Media and recordings
At events or during communications activity we may collect:
- photographs
- video recordings
- audio recordings.
These may be used in:
- event promotion
- reports or publications
- our website and social media channels.
Where appropriate, we seek consent before capturing or using this material.
How we collect your data
We collect personal data in several ways, including:
- event registration forms on our website
- mailing list or newsletter sign-ups
- direct communication with New Local staff
- research interviews or surveys
- referrals within professional networks
- publicly available professional information (such as organisational websites)
- professional contact lists supplied by reputable providers where lawful collection has been verified.
When we may contact you
We may contact you to:
• invite you to relevant events or programmes
• share publications, reports or research findings
• inform you about New Local activities
• explore collaboration or partnership opportunities
You can unsubscribe from email communications at any time using the link included in every message.
How we use your data
We use personal data to:
- organise and deliver events and programmes
- manage participation in our network
- conduct research and analysis
- share publications and learning
- communicate about our activities
- develop partnerships and collaborations
- improve our services and understand our audience.
Our lawful basis for processing
Under UK GDPR we rely on several lawful bases depending on the activity.
Legitimate interests
Much of our work involves engaging with professionals working in local government, public services and related sectors.
We therefore process some personal data where there is a legitimate professional interest in our work. This may include inviting professionals to events, sharing research or maintaining professional contact records.
Consent
We rely on consent where you have actively chosen to receive communications from us or where photographs or recordings are used.
You can withdraw consent at any time by unsubscribing from emails or contacting us.
Contract
We process data where necessary to fulfil contractual relationships, such as employment or partnership agreements.
Legal obligation
In some cases we process personal data to comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
These practices reflect the data governance processes used across the organisation.
How we keep your data secure
We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.
Most professional contact information is stored in our secure CRM system, which helps us manage events, communications and engagement.
Other data may be stored in secure organisational systems used by New Local, including:
- SharePoint
- Google Workspace
- event and communications platforms.
Access to personal data is restricted to authorised staff and managed through role-based permissions.
International data transfers
Some of the service providers we use may process personal data outside the UK.
Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:
- UK adequacy regulations
- approved international data transfer agreements or standard contractual clauses.
How long we keep your data
We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.
Typical retention periods include:
- Event attendees: up to five years after last engagement
- Mailing list subscribers: until consent is withdrawn or five years of inactivity
- Business development contacts: up to ten years after last engagement
- Cold outreach contacts: up to two years after last engagement
- Research data: according to project requirements
- Event recordings: reviewed and deleted after three years where appropriate
- Event photographs or media: typically retained for up to five years.
We regularly review stored data and securely delete records that are no longer needed.
Sharing your data
We do not sell personal data.
We may share data with trusted service providers who support our operations, including providers of:
- CRM and data hosting
- communications platforms
- event management systems
- research collaboration tools.
These organisations are required to handle personal data securely and in accordance with data protection law.
We may also share information where required by law or regulatory authorities.
Automated decision-making
New Local does not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects.
Children’s data
Our work is intended for professionals working in public services and local government. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to:
- access the personal data we hold about you
- request correction of inaccurate information
- request deletion of your personal data where appropriate
- object to certain types of processing
- withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- request restriction of processing in certain circumstances.
To exercise these rights, please contact info@newlocal.org.uk.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we handle your personal data, please contact us and we will try to resolve the issue.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK data protection regulator:
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/
Cookies and website analytics
Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and to improve the user experience.
Further information is available in our Cookies Policy.
Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our activities or legal requirements.
The most recent version will always be available on this page.