Use of Photography and Video Information Sheet

At Milton Keynes Alliance Church (“MKAC”), we are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people who take part in our activities.  The best interests of these children and young people, including their safety and welfare, remain a top priority at all material times. 

We intend to take photographs and/or make video recordings of children and young people in the following circumstances:

– During Sunday School classes
– Hymn singing and Bible reading in Church Services

We acknowledge that safeguarding and child protection, especially when taking photographs or filming children and young people, is a crucial obligation which devolves upon us.  To comply with the General Data Protection Regulation, Data Protection Act 2018, we are writing to ask for your consent to film and take photographs, and to use the images of children and/or young people.

Why do we take photographs and make video recordings at church activities?

We want to keep a record of the event.  Photographs taken and videos recorded will help us review the event, thereby allowing us to be better prepared for future activities.  For our children and young people, photographs and videos serve as a reminder of their participation at church and, with it, many happy memories.  Photographs and videos may also be required for administrative purposes and promotion.  Further, we may rely on the photographs and/or videos to deal with any matters in connection with or arising out of the event.  As expressly stated in the preceding paragraphs, photo taking and video recording will be confined to the time when our children or young people attend Sunday School, in addition to singing hymns and/or reading the Bible at our Church services.

Who will take photographs and make video recordings?

We will have designated photographers.  You are welcome to contact our pastor or officials to verify the identity of our photographers.  Apart from the official photographers, photo taking and audio/video recording are strictly prohibited in church events.

Are you allowed to take photographs, or make audio/video recordings at church events?

It is our policies that, without prior written consent or official announcement from MKAC, neither regular attendees nor visitors will be allowed to take photographs or make audio/video recording at church events or any time within the church premises. The policies apply to everyone indiscriminately.

How are we going to use the photographs and videos?

In essence, we will post some photographs/videos from the aforementioned activities (i.e. Sunday School classes, hymn singing and Bible reading in Church Services) on our website.  We will also give a copy of the photographs and videos to people (e.g. parents, guardians, social workers) whose children/young people under their care appear in the photographs/videos. 

We will not include any personal details or names of children/young people in photograph captions.

How long do we keep your personal data?

We will only keep data for as long as we need it, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. In some cases, the law allows us to keep the record permanently.  There are other circumstances where we can legitimately retain the data for an extended period of time.  We will check each year what data we hold and if we still need to keep it. 

Who should give consent?

  • Children under 12 years of age – parent or carer
  • Children under 12 years of age, living independently from parents – social worker/youth worker/legal guardian/someone who has parental responsibility
  • Children/Young People 12 to 16 years old – parent/carer and children/young people
  • Children/Young People 12 to 16 years old, living independently from parents – children/young people and social worker/youth worker/legal guardian/someone who has parental responsibility

What are the categories of personal data do we collect?

First, by giving us permission to take photographs and make video recordings, we would capture the image of children/young people during Sunday School classes or Church Services.  When you complete the consent form, we will have a record of your name, relationship with the child/young person, as well as your contact details.  The personal data we process is likely to fall into special category.  The fact that you are prepared to attend our church service may be an indication of your religious belief.

What is the lawful basis for processing your personal data?

We rely on three categories of lawful basis for processing your personal data:
Consent : we ask for your consent for the taking of photographs/videos and for the use in specified circumstances afterwards
Legal Obligation : we will have to share your personal data (including photographs and video clips) with third party without your consent, if we are required by law or a Court Order
Legitimate Interests :
– For the protection of children, young people and adults at risk
– Provide pastoral and spiritual care
– Religious organisations are also permitted to process information about your religious beliefs to administer membership or contact details

What are your rights with respect to your personal data?

  • You have the right to correct and update information we hold on you
  • You have the right to object to processing your data
  • You have the right to have your information erased
  • You have the right to data portability
  • You have the right to request for a copy of information we hold on you
  • You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, even after the events where the photographs and/or videos are taken.  You can withdraw your consent by telephone, email or by post (see contact details below)
  • You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (see contact details below)

Contact details

Please contact MKAC if you have any questions, requests or withdrawal of consent
Address: Brooklands Community Sports Pavilion, Countess Way, Brooklands, Milton Keynes MK10 7HN
Phone: 07455 720628
Email: info@mkac-net
Website: https://mkac.net

Information Commissioners Office
Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Phone: 0303 123 1113
Email: ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email