Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

First Step Robotics (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data when you interact with our workshops, programs, websites, events, and communication platforms.

This policy applies to all visitors, participants, supporters, and users of our websites at fsrobotics.co.uk, firststeprobotics.com, any related subdomains, and any secure online portals used by students and parents (collectively, the “Sites”).

First Step Robotics is a UK private company limited by guarantee without share capital, registered in Scotland (Company No. SC784618).

If you have any questions about this policy or your data, you can contact our Data Protection Manager at: privacy@firststeprobotics.com

1. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect personal information from you in a number of ways, including:

a. When you use our Sites or register for services:

  • Your name, contact details (email, phone, address)

  • Information about your child(ren), such as name and birthdate

  • Login credentials if you create an account

  • Responses to surveys or forms

  • Personal data you provide when communicating with us or completing forms

b. When you shop or purchase items on our website:

  • Billing information, such as your name, billing address, and payment details

  • Details of the products or services you purchase or book

  • Transaction history

c. When you support us:

  • Information about donations, fundraising, volunteering or events

  • Health information (e.g., allergies, accessibility needs), if relevant to an event

d. When you interact with us online:

  • IP address, device information, and browser type

  • Usage data collected via cookies (see below)

  • User-generated content (comments, reviews, photos, etc.)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Deliver our services, events, and programs

  • Process online purchases, bookings, and transactions

  • Communicate with you about updates, events, and activities

  • Maintain records of participation and engagement

  • Share stories and testimonials (with your explicit consent)

  • Improve our services, websites, and communications

  • Manage marketing preferences (opt-in and opt-out available)

  • Meet legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Young People’s Data

We handle children’s data with care and age-appropriate safeguards. Data is only collected to support educational delivery and event participation.

Where possible and appropriate, we seek consent from both the child and their parent/guardian. Children’s data is never shared for marketing purposes.

4. Legal Basis for Using Your Data

We process your data under one or more of the following legal bases:

  • Consent – where you have given us clear permission (e.g., to send marketing emails or use a photo).

  • Contractual necessity – to provide services you have requested (e.g., registering for a workshop).

  • Legitimate interest – to manage our operations, fundraising, and communication efficiently, without overriding your rights.

  • Legal obligation – where we’re required to retain data (e.g., for financial or safeguarding reasons).

5. How We Collect Information

We collect data:

  • Directly from you (e.g., registration forms, emails, surveys)

  • From your use of our Sites and digital tools (via cookies or analytics)

  • From third-party platforms (e.g., if you tag us on social media or leave a review)

  • From public sources or partners, with your permission

6. How We Protect Your Data

We take data security seriously. Your information is protected through:

  • Secure systems and password-protected portals

  • Role-based access controls for staff and volunteers

  • Regular data protection training

  • Encrypted data where appropriate

When working with trusted third-party providers (e.g., payment processors), we ensure they follow strong data protection standards.

Some services may operate outside the UK or EEA. In such cases, we ensure your data is adequately protected, using approved safeguards.

7. Data Retention and Accuracy

We only keep your data for as long as necessary to fulfil its purpose or meet legal requirements. When no longer needed, your information will be securely deleted or anonymised.

Please help us keep your information accurate by notifying us of any updates:
privacy@firststeprobotics.com

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request corrections or updates

  • Ask us to delete your data (where lawful to do so)

  • Object to or restrict how your data is used

  • Request data portability (transfer your data to another provider)

To make a request, please email us. We may ask for proof of identity for security purposes.

If you’re unhappy with how we handle your data, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
🔗 https://ico.org.uk

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Sites use cookies to:

  • Improve your browsing experience

  • Understand how users interact with our content

  • Personalise features and content

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more detail, see our Cookie Policy.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated via our website or directly to you if appropriate.