Privacy Policy

Urban Voices Community Media Limited

Last updated: 4 January 2026


1. Introduction

Urban Voices Community Media Limited takes privacy seriously. We recognise that trust is fundamental to any community-focused media organisation, particularly one operating across broadcasting, training, digital platforms, and emerging technologies such as voice assistants.

This Privacy Policy explains, in clear terms, how we collect, use, store, and protect personal data when you interact with Urban Voices Radio and related services. It also outlines your rights under UK data protection law and how you can exercise them.

Our approach is simple: we collect only what we need, we use it only for legitimate purposes, and we handle it with care and transparency.


2. Who We Are

Urban Voices Community Media Limited is a UK-registered private company limited by guarantee, operating with community-focused, CIC-style principles. We work across broadcasting, creative media, training, and community participation, using a learning-by-doing model that prioritises inclusion, accessibility, and real-world experience. For the purposes of data protection law, Urban Voices Community Media Limited is the Data Controller, meaning we are responsible for deciding how and why personal data is processed. We are registered with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) (Number: ZC059974) and comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.


3. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy applies specifically to the Urban Voices Radio platform, including but not limited to:

  • The Urban Voices Radio website
  • The live radio stream
  • The Urban Voices Radio Alexa Skill
  • Contact forms, email enquiries, and mailing lists associated with Urban Voices Radio
  • Any future features added to Urban Voices Radio that involve the processing of personal data

Urban Voices Community Media Limited operates multiple platforms and initiatives. Where other services (such as training courses, events, or youth programmes) require additional or more specific data processing, separate privacy notices may be provided.


4. What Personal Data We Collect

We deliberately design our systems to minimise personal data collection. The type of data we collect depends on how you interact with us.

Information You Provide Directly

If you choose to contact us, subscribe to updates, or otherwise engage directly, we may collect basic information such as your name, email address, and the content of your message. This information is used solely for the purpose of responding to you or providing the service you requested.

We do not request unnecessary personal details and we do not require users to create accounts in order to listen to Urban Voices Radio.

Technical and Usage Data (Website)

When you visit the Urban Voices Radio website, limited technical data may be collected automatically. This can include anonymised IP addresses, browser type, device information, and basic usage statistics such as pages visited.

This information helps us understand how the website is used, identify technical issues, and improve accessibility and performance. Where possible, data is anonymised or aggregated so that individuals cannot be identified.

Alexa Skill Usage Data

When you use the Urban Voices Radio Alexa Skill, Urban Voices Community Media Limited does not receive personal data such as your name, address, Amazon account details, or voice recordings.

Amazon processes voice interactions in accordance with its own privacy policies. We may receive anonymous, aggregated usage metrics (for example, how often the skill is launched), which do not identify individual users and cannot be used to track personal behaviour.


5. What We Do Not Collect

Urban Voices Radio does not collect sensitive personal data. This includes, but is not limited to, health information, financial details, precise location data, biometric data, or personal identifiers beyond basic contact details where voluntarily provided.

The Alexa skill does not require account linking, does not enable purchases, and does not collect personal identifiers.


6. How We Use Personal Data

Personal data is used only where there is a clear and legitimate purpose. This includes responding to enquiries, managing newsletter subscriptions, maintaining the technical operation of our platforms, and improving our services.

We do not use personal data for intrusive profiling, automated decision-making, or behavioural advertising. Data is never sold or shared for commercial exploitation.

Our guiding principle is proportionality: data use should be reasonable, expected, and aligned with the values of a community-focused organisation.


7. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, all processing of personal data must have a lawful basis. Depending on the context, Urban Voices Community Media Limited relies on one or more of the following:

Consent, where you have actively chosen to provide information or receive communications; legitimate interests, where processing is necessary for the normal operation of our services and does not override your rights; and legal obligation, where processing is required by law.

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.


8. Cookies and Analytics

The Urban Voices Radio website may use cookies or similar technologies to ensure basic functionality and to collect anonymised usage statistics.

Where required, users are provided with information about cookies and options to manage preferences. You can also control cookies through your browser settings.

We do not use cookies for aggressive tracking or behavioural advertising.


9. Third-Party Services

To operate effectively, Urban Voices Community Media Limited may use trusted third-party service providers, including website hosting services, streaming infrastructure providers, email platforms, analytics tools, and Amazon Alexa services.

These providers process data only on our instructions and are required to meet appropriate data protection standards. Where data is transferred outside the UK, appropriate safeguards are in place.


10. Alexa Skill and Amazon Services

The Urban Voices Radio Alexa Skill operates entirely within Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem. Voice interactions are processed by Amazon, not by Urban Voices Community Media Limited.

We do not receive voice recordings or personal identifiers from Alexa users. Any usage information provided to us by Amazon is anonymised and aggregated.

Users are encouraged to review Amazon’s own privacy documentation for further details on how Alexa processes data.


11. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only for as long as necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Enquiry data is kept only long enough to respond and resolve matters. Mailing list data is retained until you unsubscribe.

Technical logs and analytics data are retained for limited periods and reviewed regularly.


12. Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have rights in relation to your personal data. These include the right to access your data, request corrections, request deletion, restrict processing, object to certain uses, and withdraw consent.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office if you believe your data has been mishandled.


13. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. Access to personal data is limited to those who need it for legitimate purposes.


14. Young Person’s Privacy

Urban Voices Radio is not directed specifically at young persons, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children under the age of 18. If such data is identified, it will be removed promptly.


15. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or our services. The most recent version will always be available on our website.


16. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle personal data, please contact:

Urban Voices Community Media Limited

The Stamp Exchange
7 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1SE
United Kingdom
Email: hello@urbanvoicescommunitymedia.org

You also have the right to contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).