Privacy Policy

Introduction

The British Pyrotechnists Association (BPA) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with UK data protection legislation.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you interact with the BPA, use our website, apply for membership, attend training courses, or contact us.

Who We Are

The BPA Administration Office manages and maintains this website on behalf of the British Pyrotechnists Association.

The BPA is the data controller responsible for the personal information collected through our website, membership activities, training courses, and communications.

Data Protection Contact

Avril Di Palma
Email: info@pyro.org.uk

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us using the details above.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). However, we would welcome the opportunity to address your concerns before you do so.

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Identity Information

• Name
• Date of birth
• Job title
• Organisation details

Contact Information

• Postal address
• Email address
• Telephone number

Membership and Training Information

• Membership status
• Course registrations
• Assessment and certification records
• Training history

Communication Information

• Preferences for receiving newsletters and updates
• Correspondence and enquiries sent to us

Technical Information

When you visit our website, we may collect anonymous technical information such as:

• Browser type
• Device information
• Website usage statistics
• Cookie data

How We Collect Information

We collect information when you:

• Apply for BPA membership
• Register for a training course or assessment
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates
• Contact us by email, telephone or website enquiry form
• Provide feedback on our services
• Interact with our website

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Administer memberships
• Process course bookings and assessments
• Provide certificates and training records
• Communicate important updates and industry information
• Manage payments and invoices
• Improve our services and website
• Meet legal and regulatory obligations

Where appropriate, we may also send marketing or promotional communications. You may opt out of these communications at any time.

Sharing Your Information

We will only share your personal information where necessary to provide our services or meet legal obligations.

This may include:

• BPA Management Committee members
• Training providers and assessors
• Certification bodies, including City & Guilds
• Professional advisers
• Service providers supporting BPA operations

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and analyse website usage.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us understand how visitors use our website.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, alteration or disclosure.

Access to personal information is restricted to those who require it for legitimate BPA business purposes.

Data Retention

We only retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, regulatory, accounting and training record requirements.

In most cases, membership and training records are retained for a minimum of six years after the end of your relationship with the BPA.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection legislation, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information where appropriate
• Restrict or object to processing
• Request transfer of your information
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided above.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page and will take effect immediately upon publication.

Last Updated: June 2026