Glúnta Research Data Policy

Purpose of the Project

Glúnta National Research exists to build a clearer picture of the church landscape in Ireland for research, encouragement, collaboration, and future gospel resource planning. The project seeks to gather accurate information about churches, church locations, public contact details, and limited leadership and church-profile information in order to understand where churches are present, where gaps may exist, and how Irish gospel work might be better supported.

 

What Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

 

• Church information: church name, denomination or network, public meeting location, Eircode, website, public email address, public phone number, and public social media links

• Key contact information: name, role, church-based email address, and church-based phone number for a pastor, elder, administrator, or other nominated contact person

• Church profile information: approximate size, leadership structure, ministry context, language(s), and other limited information relevant to research mapping and analysis

• Correspondence records: emails, form submissions, and notes arising from communication with churches, networks, and denominational representatives

 

What We Do Not Aim To Collect

We do not intend to collect unnecessary personal data, private residential addresses, sensitive pastoral information, financial data, safeguarding information, or personal information about church members. We aim to minimise data collection at every stage.

 

Lawful Basis for Processing

We process data on the basis of legitimate interests for the purposes of research, directory building, church mapping, and facilitating accurate public-facing church information, and where appropriate on the basis of consent, especially where an individual’s direct contact details are provided for publication or ongoing contact. Where information is collected directly from churches or leaders, we aim to explain clearly what is being collected, why it is being collected, and how it may be used.  

 

This is in line with guidelines from: https://www.dataprotection.ie

 

Special Care Regarding Personal and Religious Data

Because information about an identifiable church leader may indirectly reveal religious belief, we treat personal contact information with particular care. As a rule, publicly shared outputs will prioritise church-level public information rather than personal direct details unless those details are already publicly provided by the church for ministry contact or the individual has clearly agreed to their inclusion.  

 

How Data is Stored

Data will be stored in secure digital systems with password protection and limited access. Access should be restricted to those directly involved in the administration of the research. Wherever possible, systems will use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure cloud storage with routine backup procedures. Data will not be stored casually across multiple personal devices or shared informally through unsecured channels.

 

How Long Data is Kept

We will keep personal data only for as long as it is needed for the research and related administration. Church-level public information may be retained for ongoing mapping and verification purposes. Personal contact details and correspondence will be reviewed periodically and deleted when no longer necessary, out of date, or withdrawn. Retention periods will be documented internally and followed consistently. Personal data will not be kept once the purpose for holding it has ceased.  

 

Publishing Information

The intention of the public-facing research is to publish church-level information that is already public or has been provided for public use, such as church name, location, website, and public contact details. We will not be publishing personal mobile numbers, private email addresses, or any internal church information that is not clearly intended for public access.

 

Accuracy and Corrections

We want the information we hold to be accurate and up to date. Churches and individuals may contact us to correct, update, or remove inaccurate information. Accuracy is one of the core data protection principles we are aspiring to hold to.  

 

Individual Rights

Individuals have rights under GDPR, including the right to be informed, the right of access, and in some cases the right to rectification or erasure of information. Requests relating to personal data will be responded to promptly and carefully.  

 

Data Breaches

Any suspected personal data breach will be assessed immediately. Any breaches that present a risk to individuals must be notified to the supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of them, and in higher-risk cases affected individuals may also need to be informed without undue delay.  

 

Review

This policy will be reviewed quarterly as the project develops, especially if the scale of data collection expands, if new tools are introduced, or as data begins to be shared more widely through the development of interactive mapping.

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This document was last reviewed on: 2nd April 2026