Data Retention Policy

Data Retention Policy

Introduction

At 1st Parkstone Scouts, we recognise the importance of managing personal information responsibly and securely. As a youth organisation, we hold information about young people, volunteers, parents, and supporters, and we are committed to protecting that information at all times.

We only collect and keep personal data where it is necessary to support our activities, meet our legal responsibilities, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in Scouts. This includes information needed to run meetings, events, training, and safeguarding processes.

We do not keep personal data for longer than needed. When information is no longer required, we ensure it is safely and securely deleted or disposed of.

This policy explains how long we keep different types of information and why. It reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and following UK data protection law and The Scout Association’s guidance.

By following this policy, we aim to build and maintain trust with young people, their families, our volunteers, and our wider community.

Data Retention Schedule

Young People

Data ProcessData TypeRetention PeriodReason
Pre-join enquiriesPersonal dataFrom registration until 6 months after 18th birthday, or until a place is accepted (whichever is sooner)To manage waiting lists and offer places
JoiningPersonal and sensitive data10 years after leavingTo respond to membership enquiries and any requests from Scouts HQ or statutory bodies
EventsPersonal and sensitive data2 years after eventTo respond to event queries or incidents
SafeguardingSee The Scout Association Safeguarding PolicySee policyManaged in line with national safeguarding requirements
Incident (no medical intervention)Personal and sensitive data7 years after incident, or 7 years after turning 18 (whichever is later)To support any legal claims
Training recordsPersonal data2 years after leavingTo support re-joining and continuity of training
Attendance registerPersonal data18 monthsFor annual registration and Gift Aid evidence

Adult Volunteers

Data ProcessData TypeRetention PeriodReason
Pre-join enquiriesPersonal data1 year or until joiningTo manage volunteer enquiries
JoiningPersonal and sensitive data2 years after leavingTo manage membership records
Adult Information FormPersonal and sensitive dataUp to 12 months or until appointment completeTo support appointment process
Identity checkingPersonal dataUntil checks are completeTo verify identity for DBS/PVG
EventsPersonal and sensitive data2 years after eventTo respond to event queries or incidents
SafeguardingSee The Scout Association Safeguarding PolicySee policyManaged in line with national safeguarding requirements
Incident (no medical intervention)Personal and sensitive data7 years after incident (or later if required)To support any legal claims
Training recordsPersonal data2 years after leavingTo support re-joining and training history

Parents and Carers

Data ProcessData TypeRetention PeriodReason
Pre-join enquiriesPersonal data1 year or until young person joinsTo manage waiting lists
JoiningPersonal data2 years after young person leavesTo manage membership enquiries
One-off eventsPersonal data2 years after eventTo respond to queries or incidents
SafeguardingSee The Scout Association Safeguarding PolicySee policyManaged in line with national safeguarding requirements
Incident (no medical intervention)Personal data7 years after incident (or later if required)To support any legal claims

Donors

Data ProcessData TypeRetention PeriodReason
Individual donationsPersonal data1 yearTo manage communication about donations
Gift Aid declarationsFinancial/personal data6 years after donationRequired for HMRC compliance
Direct debit mandatesFinancial data6 years after last paymentProof of Direct Debit instruction and dispute handling

Key Principles

  • We only keep information for as long as necessary
  • We regularly review and securely delete data
  • We follow The Scout Association’s guidance and UK GDPR
  • We prioritise the safety and privacy of young people and volunteers

Our Strategy to 2035

Place to belong

Our Strategy to 2035 will help us keep the focus on what we do best - giving young people a place to belong and giving them the skills to thrive.

Find out more
Strategy to 2035