Effective Date: April 27, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (“IHGS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit ihgs.us (the “Website”).
IHGS is an independent educational charitable trust based in Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom, providing genealogical and heraldic education and research services to a global audience, including users in the United States.
By using this Website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number (if provided)
- Billing or payment information (for course purchases or services)
- Any information submitted through forms, inquiries, or course registrations
Non-Personal Information
We may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and device information
- Pages visited and time spent on the Website
- Referring website URLs
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide access to courses, resources, and services
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support
- Process payments and manage enrollments
- Send relevant updates, newsletters, or marketing communications (you may opt out at any time)
- Improve website performance, usability, and content
- Ensure compliance with legal obligations
3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For users in the UK and European Economic Area, we process personal data under the following lawful bases:
- Your consent
- Performance of a contract (e.g., course enrollment)
- Legitimate interests (e.g., improving services and communications)
- Compliance with legal obligations
4. Sharing of Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share your information with trusted third parties, including:
- Payment processors
- Website hosting providers
- Email and marketing platforms
- Analytics providers
All third parties are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your data.
5. International Data Transfers
As IHGS operates in the United Kingdom and serves users in the United States and other regions, your information may be transferred and processed outside your country of residence.
We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is handled securely and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve website functionality
- Analyze site usage
- Support marketing and advertising efforts
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
- Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy
- Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements
8. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict certain processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure.
10. Third-Party Links
This Website may contain links to third-party websites. IHGS is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
11. Children’s Privacy
This Website is not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
13. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:
Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
Email: marketing@ihgs.us