Connected Hubs Members Platform – Privacy Policy | Effective Date: 6 October 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Connected Hubs Members Platform privacy notice (the “Notice”). This site is operated by the Western Development Commission (“WDC”, “we”, “us”) on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The Connected Hubs Members Platform is an online space that helps hub members, managers, and staff connect, collaborate, and learn across the national hubs network.

The WDC respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Notice explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use hubmembers.connectedhubs.ie (the “Platform”) and tells you about your rights under data protection law.

2. Purpose of This Notice

This Notice outlines how we collect and process personal data when you use the Platform — for example, when you create a member profile, register for events, submit content, or contact us.

The Platform is intended for adult users. We do not knowingly collect data relating to children.

3. Third-Party Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or event platforms. Clicking these links may allow third parties to collect or share information about you. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of third-party sites and encourage you to review their privacy notices before providing any personal information.

4. The Information We Collect

We collect and process different types of personal data depending on how you use the Platform. This may include:

• Identity information: name, title, organisation.

• Contact information: email address, phone number (if provided).

• Profile information: bio, photo, skills, location, social media links, and any optional information you choose to share.

• Usage data: how you use the Platform, such as event participation, content interactions, or logins.

• Technical data: browser type, device, IP address, and other analytics to help improve functionality.

• Communications preferences: your settings for receiving updates, event notices, or newsletters.

We do not collect special category data (e.g. health, political opinions, religious beliefs) or information about criminal offences.

5. How We Collect Data

We collect data through:

• Direct interactions: when you register, update your profile, contact us, or submit content.

• Automated technologies: cookies, analytics tools, and server logs to track performance and usage.

• Third-party services: e.g. event registration or form submission tools used within the Platform.

For details on how we use cookies, please refer to our Cookies Policy.

6. How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your data to:

• Create and manage your member account.

• Facilitate communication and networking between members.

• Share information about events, learning opportunities, and community updates.

• Improve and personalise the user experience.

• Respond to queries and provide support.

• Comply with legal obligations.

We may occasionally contact you with relevant updates or event invitations. You can opt out at any time.

7. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal grounds under the GDPR:

• Consent: when you opt to create a profile or subscribe to updates.

• Legitimate interests: to operate, improve, and manage the Platform and community.

• Legal obligations: where required to comply with applicable laws.

8. Sharing of Data

We do not sell or share your personal data for marketing purposes.

We may share limited data:

• With service providers (e.g. hosting, analytics, or email systems) who support our operations under strict data protection agreements.

• With event partners or Connected Hubs administrators where necessary for legitimate operational purposes (for example, managing event attendance).

• Where legally required, to comply with a court order or public authority request.

All data sharing is carried out securely and in accordance with data protection law.

9. Transfers Outside the EEA

If personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place, such as EU-approved Standard Contractual Clauses.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Notice — for example, while your account is active or as required by law. You can request deletion of your account or data at any time by contacting us.

11. Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data.

• Correct or update inaccurate data.

• Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).

• Restrict or object to processing.

• Request a copy of your data in a portable format.

• Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable).

You can exercise your rights by contacting us at dataprotection@connectedhubs.ie. We aim to respond within 30 days.

12. Data Security

We take the security of your data seriously and use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect it against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

While we take all reasonable steps to safeguard your information, please note that transmission of data over the internet is never entirely secure.

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about how your data is being handled, please contact our Data Protection Representative at dataprotection@connectedhubs.ie.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Commission at www.dataprotection.ie.

14. Updates to This Notice

We may update this Notice from time to time. Any significant changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date.

15. Contact Information

Western Development Commission
Attn: Data Protection Representative
Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)94 986 1441
Email: dataprotection@connectedhubs.ie