International DOHaD Society Privacy Policy
The International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (“DOHaD Society”) is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our website or subscribe as a member.
We comply with all applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), as amended by the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (“DUA Act”).
This Privacy Policy is distinct from our Data Protection and International Transfer Agreement, which governs cross-border data transfers.
Information We Collect
We collect personal data such as your name, contact details (postal address, email address, and telephone number), organisation (if applicable), membership subscription details, and login credentials for secure member areas.
We do not process children’s data, nor do we conduct research using personal data. Any research conducted by our members is carried out within their own institutions under their respective governance arrangements.
How We Use Your Personal Data
We process personal data for the purpose of maintaining membership records, responding to enquiries, communicating Society updates (including meetings, working groups, consultation exercises, and events), sending newsletters where you have subscribed, managing membership subscriptions, and sharing information with Regional Societies where you request affiliation.
We may also process data under recognised legitimate interests introduced by the DUA Act, including safeguarding, crime prevention, and responding to emergencies.
Sharing Your Personal Data
We do not sell or share personal data for commercial purposes. We only share your information where necessary and in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
Where you choose to affiliate with one of our Regional Societies, we will share relevant information exclusively with the Senior Leadership of the appropriate Regional Society. All processing activities are carried out in line with the Society’s Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.
During the DOHaD World Congress, a nominated and authorised member of the congress management team may be given limited access to the Society’s membership list for the sole purpose of confirming eligibility for registration discounts.
We may also disclose personal data if required to do so by law, including in response to legitimate and proportionate requests from law enforcement agencies or regulatory authorities.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data where necessary for the performance of our obligations to members and for the legitimate interests of the DOHaD Society. In certain circumstances, we rely on recognised legitimate interests under the DUA Act.
Subject Access Requests (SARs)
You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you. Under the DUA Act, we may pause the statutory response timeframe (“stop the clock”) if clarification is required, and we will undertake reasonable and proportionate searches to locate relevant data.
Cookies and Device Storage
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies. In accordance with the DUA Act, certain low-risk cookies, such as those that improve website functionality or help us measure performance, may be set without your consent. You may adjust your cookie preferences at any time.
Complaints Handling
Concerns may be raised using the electronic complaint form available on our website. We will respond promptly and set out the outcome of our review. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Data Retention
We retain personal data for the duration of your membership or designated contact status. Additional details, including specific retention periods, are provided in our data retention by clicking here.
Your Rights
You have the right to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data, to object to the use of your data for direct marketing, to request the erasure of data no longer required, to restrict processing in certain circumstances, and to object to processing carried out under recognised legitimate interests.
International Transfers
International data transfers are governed by our Data Protection and International Transfer Agreement, which ensures that appropriate safeguards, such as adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses, or other lawful mechanisms under the DUA Act, are in place.
Security
We implement appropriate organisational and technical measures to protect personal data. However, transmission of information over public networks carries inherent risks, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, requests, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or how we process your data, please contact us at office@dohadsoc.org
Review