Privacy Policy

Last updated: 19 September 2025

Who we are

The Culturing Dish (“we”, “us”, “our”) runs this website and related projects, including The Fungal Gap Report.

Contact: danielle@theculturingdish.org

What this policy covers

This policy explains:

  • what personal data we collect,

  • why we collect it,

  • how long we keep it,

  • who processes it on our behalf, and

  • the rights you have under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

The data we collect

1) Submissions to The Fungal Gap Report

When you complete the submission form you can choose how much you share. We may collect:

  • Name (optional)

  • Email (optional, unless you request updates)

  • Role / background (optional)

  • Your story / testimony (required)

  • Your publication preference (quoted with your name/role, or anonymous)

  • Your explicit consent

If your story mentions other identifiable people, please either obtain their permission or remove identifying details.

2) Newsletter subscription

If you sign up to our mailing list, we collect your email address (and name, if you provide it).

3) Contact form / correspondence

If you email us, use the contact form, or message us via social media, we process the content of your message and your contact details.

4) Website use

  • Essential cookies: placed by Squarespace so the site works.

  • Analytics (if enabled): we may use aggregated visitor stats.

  • Google reCAPTCHA (if enabled): to reduce spam, it may collect device and usage data.

Why we use your data (legal bases)

  • Consent: to include your story in The Fungal Gap Report; to send you newsletter or project updates (if you subscribe). Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

  • Legitimate interests: to administer the site, reduce spam, and compile anonymous statistics.

  • Legal obligation: to respond to valid data protection requests and keep basic records where required.

How we use your data

  • To compile, edit for clarity, and publish The Fungal Gap Report.

  • To quote your words either anonymously or with your name/role, depending on your choice.

  • To send you project or newsletter updates if you opted in.

  • To respond to enquiries sent via the contact form or email.

  • We do not sell your data or share it for third-party marketing.

Who processes your data for us

  • Squarespace: website hosting, form storage, mailing list tools.

  • Email provider: delivers form notifications to danielle@theculturingdish.org.

  • Google (optional): if forms are connected to Google Sheets for managing submissions.

These providers may transfer data outside the UK/EEA (e.g. to the USA). Where this happens, safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses are used.

How long we keep data

  • Stories and permissions: until the report is published, and up to 24 months afterwards (to evidence sources / handle queries), unless you request earlier deletion.

  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe (every email includes an unsubscribe link).

  • Contact form / correspondence: up to 24 months after the last contact.

  • Cookies/analytics: according to your settings and provider defaults.

Security

  • Site protected by HTTPS.

  • Access to submissions restricted to project leads.

  • Accounts protected with passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible.

  • Only trusted processors are connected.

Your rights

You can:

  • Access your data and request a copy.

  • Ask us to correct inaccurate data.

  • Ask us to delete your data (“right to be forgotten”).

  • Restrict or object to certain processing.

  • Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting past lawful use).

  • Request portability of data you supplied (where technically feasible).

To exercise any right: email danielle@theculturingdish.org with the subject line “Data request — The Culturing Dish”. We may need to verify your identity.

If you’re unhappy, you can complain to the ICO (ico.org.uk). We’d always prefer the chance to resolve issues first.

Children

This project is intended for adults. Please do not submit data if you are under 16 without parental/guardian permission.

External links

Our site may link to external websites or social platforms. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes, we will update this page and amend the “Last updated” date.

To reflect this in your forms

  • Fungal Gap submission form:

    • Required radio field → “Publication preference” (quote me / anonymous).

    • Required consent checkbox → “I consent to my submission being used in The Fungal Gap Report and related Culturing Dish projects. I understand it may be lightly edited for clarity and I can withdraw consent at any time.”

    • Short note: “Your information will be handled in line with our [Privacy Policy].”

  • Newsletter signup:

    • Needs its own checkbox or clear note: “By subscribing, you consent to receiving updates from The Culturing Dish. You can unsubscribe at any time. See our [Privacy Policy].”

  • Contact form:

    • Short note: “Your information will be used only to respond to your enquiry. See our [Privacy Policy].”