Introduction

The Association of Lymphoedema Practitioners (ALP) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly, securely and transparently.

This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information when you visit our website, register for membership, access member resources, attend events, participate in forums, create practitioner listings or otherwise interact with ALP.

This Policy also explains how information published within the ALP Practitioner Directory is collected, displayed and managed.

By using this website, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.

Who We Are

For the purposes of applicable data protection legislation, ALP is the data controller responsible for personal information collected through this website.

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy & Cookie Policy, please contact ALP using the contact details published on this website.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect personal information including:

• Name
• Professional title
• Organisation or practice name
• Postal address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Membership details
• Professional qualifications
• Practitioner profile information
• Event and training registrations
• Forum posts and comments
• Information submitted through contact forms and enquiries

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Operating system
• Referring website
• Pages visited
• Date and time of access
• Website usage statistics

Payment Information

Membership fees, event registrations and other payments may be processed through secure third-party payment providers.

ALP does not store full payment card details on its servers.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Manage memberships and subscriptions
• Provide access to member-only resources
• Deliver educational content and training
• Process event registrations
• Respond to enquiries and support requests
• Maintain practitioner directory listings
• Improve website functionality and performance
• Send membership-related communications
• Notify users of updates, events and resources
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal information under one or more of the following legal bases:

• Performance of a contract
• Legitimate interests
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Consent where required

Member Communications

ALP may contact members regarding:

• Membership administration
• Membership renewals
• Training opportunities
• Clinical resources
• Events and conferences
• Service updates
• Important organisational announcements

Members may opt out of marketing communications at any time. Essential service communications may still be sent where necessary to administer membership services.

Sharing Your Information

ALP does not sell personal information to third parties.

Personal information may be shared with trusted service providers where necessary to:

• Process payments
• Host the website
• Deliver email communications
• Provide technical support
• Deliver educational services
• Maintain website functionality

All service providers are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

Practitioner Directory Listings

As part of ALP membership and related services, members may have the option to create or maintain a practitioner profile or business listing within the ALP Practitioner Directory.

Depending on the information submitted, the following information may be publicly displayed:

• Name
• Professional qualifications
• Practice or clinic name
• Professional biography
• Areas of expertise
• Services offered
• Practice address or service area
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Website address
• Social media links
• Profile photographs
• Business logos

Directory information is published for the purpose of helping members of the public, healthcare professionals and organisations locate qualified practitioners.

Members are responsible for ensuring that information submitted for publication is accurate, lawful and up to date.

Members may update their directory information at any time through their account or by contacting ALP.

If a member's subscription expires, is cancelled or is terminated, ALP reserves the right to remove, suspend or archive their directory listing.

Members may request removal of their listing at any time. Certain information may be retained where required for administrative, legal or regulatory purposes.

ALP is not responsible for the accuracy of information submitted by practitioners and accepts no liability for any reliance placed upon directory listings by third parties.

Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to:

• Maintain membership records
• Provide services
• Meet contractual obligations
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce agreements

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

Data Security

ALP takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:

• Unauthorised access
• Disclosure
• Alteration
• Loss
• Destruction

However, no method of transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, individuals may have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of personal information
• Restrict processing
• Object to processing
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent where consent is relied upon

Requests should be submitted using the contact details provided on this website.

Forums and Community Areas

Members are responsible for information they choose to post within forums, discussion groups and community areas.

Users must not publish:

• Patient-identifiable information
• Confidential information
• Defamatory content
• Offensive or discriminatory content
• Unlawful material

ALP reserves the right to moderate, edit or remove content that breaches professional, ethical or legal standards.

Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website.

They help websites function correctly, improve user experience and provide information about how visitors use the site.

Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the operation of the website and include functions such as:

• User authentication
• Login sessions
• Security protection
• Form submissions
• Website navigation

These cookies cannot be disabled without affecting website functionality.

Analytics Cookies

Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use the website by collecting information such as:

• Pages visited
• Visitor behaviour
• Time spent on pages
• Website performance

Information is collected in an aggregated and anonymous form where possible.

Functional Cookies

Functional cookies remember preferences and settings to improve user experience, including:

• Language preferences
• User settings
• Accessibility preferences

Third-Party Cookies

Some areas of the website may use third-party services including:

• Payment processors
• Embedded videos
• Social media integrations
• Website analytics providers

These services may place cookies on your device and are governed by their own privacy policies.

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow users to:

• View cookies
• Delete cookies
• Block cookies
• Control cookie settings

Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and user experience.

Changes to this Policy

ALP reserves the right to update this Privacy & Cookie Policy at any time.

Any changes will be published on this page and become effective immediately upon publication.

Continued use of the website following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy & Cookie Policy, your personal information or your privacy rights, please contact ALP using the contact details published on this website.