Privacy Policy

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Pontifical Beda College

Last updated: 24 February 2026

The Pontifical Beda College (“the College”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”) and, where applicable, the UK GDPR.

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1. Who We Are

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The Pontifical Beda College

Viale San Paolo 18

00146 Rome

Italy

Email: pa@bedacollege.com

Telephone: +39 06 97991

For the purposes of data protection law, the Pontifical Beda College acts as the Data Controller in relation to personal data processed through this website and in the course of its activities.

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2. The Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

a) Contact Information

Name, title, email address, postal address, telephone number.

b) Enquiry and Correspondence Data

Information you provide when contacting the College, submitting forms, or requesting information.

c) Formation and Application Data

Where relevant, information provided in relation to vocational discernment or seminary formation (processed under strict confidentiality).

d) Alumni and Supporter Information

Information relating to former seminarians, donors, members of the Beda Association, and supporters.

e) Website Usage Data

IP address, browser type, device information, and anonymised usage statistics collected through cookies or analytics tools.

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3. How We Use Your Personal Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

• To respond to enquiries and correspondence
• To administer seminary formation and related pastoral activities
• To communicate with dioceses, bishops, and vocations directors
• To manage alumni and supporter relationships
• To administer donations and membership of the Beda Association
• To send newsletters or updates where consent has been given
• To maintain website functionality and security

We only process personal data where there is a lawful basis to do so.

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4. Lawful Bases for Processing

We rely on one or more of the following lawful bases:

• Legitimate Interests – for the ordinary administration of the College’s mission and communications.
• Consent – where you have explicitly agreed (e.g. newsletter subscriptions).
• Contractual Necessity – where processing is required in connection with applications or formation arrangements.
• Legal Obligation – where we are required to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
• Vital Interests or Pastoral Care – where necessary for safeguarding or pastoral responsibilities.

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5. Sensitive Personal Data

In the context of seminary formation, we may process limited categories of sensitive personal data (including religious affiliation or health-related information). Such data is processed strictly:

• In accordance with GDPR Article 9
• Under appropriate confidentiality safeguards
• Only where necessary for formation, pastoral care, or safeguarding

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6. Data Sharing

We do not sell or trade personal data.

We may share data where necessary with:

• Diocesan authorities or bishops
• Ecclesiastical authorities
• Professional advisers
• IT and website service providers
• Legal or regulatory authorities where required

All third parties are required to respect the security of personal data and process it lawfully.

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7. International Data Transfers

As the College is based in Rome, personal data may be processed within the European Union. Where data is transferred outside the EU or UK, appropriate safeguards are implemented in accordance with GDPR requirements.

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8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Administrative and pastoral requirements
• Legal and safeguarding obligations
• Archival and historical purposes consistent with ecclesial mission

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

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9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against:

• Unauthorised access
• Accidental loss
• Alteration
• Disclosure

Access to personal data is restricted to those with a legitimate need.

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10. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request rectification of inaccurate data
• Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”) where applicable
• Request restriction of processing
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is relied upon)
• Request data portability

Requests should be made in writing to the College using the contact details above.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your relevant supervisory authority.

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11. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to ensure proper functionality and to collect anonymised usage statistics.

You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies. However, some parts of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

A separate Cookie Policy may be provided where required.

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12. Children’s Data

The College does not knowingly collect personal data from children through its website. Seminary formation applicants are adults.

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13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with a revised “last updated” date.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal data is handled, please contact the College using the details above.