Last updated: 9 October 2026
1. Who we are
The Clothes Carousel is a children's clothing swap initiative based in Uckfield, East Sussex, UK. We are responsible for deciding how personal information collected through our activities is used.
For privacy enquiries, contact: info@theclothescarousel.co.uk .
Data controller: The Clothes Carousel
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
- Your name and email address when you contact us.
- Information you choose to include in your messages.
- Event booking information, if you register for a swap.
- Technical information such as IP addresses and website access logs collected by our hosting provider.
- Information you share with us through Facebook or Instagram.
We ask that you do not send sensitive personal information or children's personal details unless we specifically need them for a stated purpose.
3. How we use your information
We use personal information where necessary to:
- Respond to enquiries and messages.
- Organise and administer clothes swap events.
- Provide event information or updates you have requested.
- Maintain the security and operation of our website.
- Meet any applicable legal obligations.
We do not use contact enquiries as automatic consent to receive promotional emails.
4. Our lawful basis
Under UK data protection law, our lawful basis depends on why we are using your information:
- Legitimate interests: responding to enquiries, managing routine communications and keeping our website secure, where these interests are not overridden by your rights.
- Contract or steps before a contract: where applicable to event registration or bookings.
- Legal obligation: where we must retain or disclose information by law.
- Consent: where we ask for your permission, such as for optional marketing communications or certain website technologies.
We will only rely on a lawful basis that applies to the particular use of your information.
5. Sharing information
We do not sell personal information. We may share relevant information with service providers who help us operate our website, email or event bookings, and with authorities where legally required.
Service providers may process information on our behalf or act as independent data controllers, depending on the service involved.
6. How long we keep information
We keep personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, including any legal requirements.
Routine enquiries are reviewed and deleted when no longer needed. Event registration details are reviewed after the event, unless there is a legitimate reason or legal requirement to retain them.
7. Cookies and website technology
Our website is built using WordPress and Elementor. Our website host and plugins may use cookies or similar technologies for essential functions, security and website operation.
If we use optional analytics, advertising or other non-essential technologies, we will provide appropriate information and any consent or opt-out controls required by law.
8. Social media and external links
Our website links to Facebook and Instagram. If you visit these services, their own privacy policies explain how they process your information. We do not control the privacy practices of those external websites.
9. International transfers
Some website, email, social media or booking service providers may process information outside the UK. Where international transfer rules apply, we will ensure an appropriate legal mechanism is in place.
10. Keeping information secure
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss or misuse, including using appropriate access controls and trusted service providers.
11. Your data protection rights
Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to access your personal information, correct it, request its deletion, restrict or object to certain uses, and request data portability. Where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.
To exercise your rights, email info@theclothescarousel.co.uk .
You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint . We would welcome the opportunity to address your concern first.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy when our services or data practices change. The date at the top of this page will show when it was last updated.