Privacy Policy
Alchemist’s Interior Design Ltd – Privacy Policy
We at Alchemist’s Interior Design Ltd understand that your privacy is important to you and that you care about how your personal data is used and shared online. We respect and value the privacy of everyone who visits this website, https://alchemistsinteriordesign.co.uk (“Our Site”) and will only collect and use personal data in ways that are described here, and in a manner that is consistent with our obligations and your rights under the law.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully and ensure that you understand it. Your acceptance of our Privacy Policy is deemed to occur upon your first use of our Site. If you do not accept and agree with this Privacy Policy, you must stop using our Site immediately.
1. Definitions and Interpretation
In this Policy, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Cookie” means a small text file placed on your computer or device by our Site when you visit certain parts of our Site and/or when you use certain features of our Site. Details of the Cookies used by our Site are set out in section 13, below;
“Personal data” means any and all data that relates to an identifiable person who can be directly or indirectly identified from that data. In this case, it means personal data that you give to us via our Site. This definition shall, where applicable, incorporate the definitions provided in the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (“GDPR”); and
“We/Us/Our” means Alchemist’s Interior Design Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under number 06324418, whose registered office is at Unit 19, Pulloxhill Business Park, Greenfield Road, Pulloxhill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 5EU.
2. Information About Us
2.1 We own and operate this Site.
2.2 Our main point of contact for data protection related queries is Siobhan Buddrige and she can be contacted by email at info@alchemistsinteriordesign.co.uk.
3. What Does This Policy Cover?
This Privacy Policy applies only to your use of our Site. Our Site may contain links to other websites. Please note that we have no control over how your data is collected, stored, or used by other websites and we advise you to check the privacy policies of any such websites before providing any data to them.
4. Your Rights
4.1 As a data subject, you have the following rights under the GDPR, which this Policy and our use of personal data have been designed to uphold:
4.1.1 The right to be informed about our collection and use of personal data;
4.1.2 The right of access to the personal data we hold about you (see section 12);
4.1.3 The right to rectification if any personal data we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete (please contact us using the details in section 14);
4.1.4 The right to be forgotten – i.e. the right to ask us to delete any personal data we hold about you (we only hold your personal data for a limited time, as explained in section 6 but if you would like us to delete it sooner, please contact us using the details in section 14);
4.1.5 The right to restrict (i.e. prevent) the processing of your personal data;
4.1.6 The right to data portability (obtaining a copy of your personal data to re-use with another service or organisation);
4.1.7 The right to object to us using your personal data for particular purposes; and
4.1.8 Rights with respect to automated decision making and profiling.
4.2 If you have any cause for complaint about our use of your personal data, please contact us using the details provided in section 14 and we will do our best to solve the problem for you. If we are unable to help, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s supervisory authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office.
4.3 For further information about your rights, please contact the Information Commissioner’s Office or your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
5. What Data Do We Collect?
Depending upon your use of our Site, we may collect some or all of the following personal and non-personal data (please also see section 13 on our use of Cookies and similar technologies):
5.1 name;
5.2 address;
5.3 contact information such as email addresses and telephone numbers;
5.4 demographic information such as post code, preferences, and interests;
5.5 IP address;
5.6 web browser type and version; and
5.7 operating system.
6. How Do We Use Your Data?
6.1 All personal data is processed and stored securely, for no longer than is necessary in light of the reason(s) for which it was first collected. We will comply with our obligations and safeguard your rights under the GDPR at all times. For more details on security see section 7, below.
6.2 Our use of your personal data will always have a lawful basis, either because it is necessary for our performance of a contract with you, because you have consented to our use of your personal data (e.g. by subscribing to emails), or because it is in our legitimate interests. Specifically, we may use your data for the following purposes:
6.2.1 Providing and managing your access to our Site;
6.2.2 Personalising and tailoring your experience on our Site;6.2.3 Supplying our goods and services to you (please note that we require your personal data in order to enter into a contract with you);
6.2.4 Replying to emails from you;
6.2.5 Supplying you with emails that you have opted into (you may unsubscribe or opt-out at any time by emailing us directly;
6.2.6 Analysing your use of our Site to enable us to continually improve our Site and your user experience.
6.3 With your permission and/or where permitted by law, we may also use your data for marketing purposes which may include contacting you by email with information, news and offers on our services. We will not, however, send you any unsolicited marketing or spam and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that we fully protect your rights and comply with our obligations under GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.
6.4 Third parties whose content appears on our Site may use third party Cookies, as detailed below in section 13. Please refer to section 13 for more information on controlling Cookies. Please note that we do not control the activities of such third parties, nor the data they collect and use and advise you to check the privacy policies of any such third parties.
6.5 You have the right to withdraw your consent to us using your personal data at any time, and to request that we delete it.
6.6 We do not keep your personal data for any longer than is necessary in light of the reason(s) for which it was first collected.
7. How and Where Do We Store Your Data?
7.1 We only keep your personal data for as long as we need to in order to use it as described above in section 6, and/or for as long as we have your permission to keep it.
7.2 Your data will be stored in the UK.
7.3 Data security is very important to us, and to protect your data we have taken suitable measures to safeguard and secure data collected through our Site.
8. Do We Share Your Data?
8.1 We may sometimes contract with other third parties to supply services to you on our behalf. These may include search engine facilities, sub-contractors and suppliers. In some cases, these third parties may require access to some or all of your data. Where any of your data is required for such a purpose, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your data will be handled safely, securely, and in accordance with your rights, our obligations, and the obligations of the third party under the law.
8.2 We may compile statistics about the use of our Site including data on traffic, usage patterns, user numbers, sales, and other information. All such data will be anonymised and will not include any personally identifying data, or any anonymised data that can be combined with other data and used to identify you. We may from time to time share such data with third parties such as prospective investors, affiliates, partners, and advertisers. Data will only be shared and used within the bounds of the law.
8.3 We may sometimes use third party data processors that are located outside of the European Economic Area (“the EEA”) (The EEA consists of all EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). Where we transfer any personal data outside the EEA, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your data is treated as safely and securely as it would be within the UK and under the GDPR.
8.4 In certain circumstances, we may be legally required to share certain data held by us, which may include your personal data, for example, where we are involved in legal proceedings, where we are complying with legal requirements, a court order, or a governmental authority.
9. What Happens If Our Business Changes Hands?
9.1 We may, from time to time, expand or reduce our business and this may involve the sale and/or the transfer of control of all or part of our business. Any personal data that you have provided will, where it is relevant to any part of our business that is being transferred, be transferred along with that part and the new owner or newly controlling party will, under the terms of this Privacy Policy, be permitted to use that data only for the same purposes for which it was originally collected by us.
9.2 In the event that any of your data is to be transferred in such a manner, you will not be contacted in advance and informed of the changes.
10. How Can You Control Your Data?
10.1 In addition to your rights under the GDPR, set out in section 4, when you submit personal data to us via email or via our Site, you may be given options to restrict our use of your data. In particular, we aim to give you strong controls on our use of your data for direct marketing purposes (including the ability to opt-out of receiving emails from us which you may do by unsubscribing using the links provided in our emails, at the point of providing your details and by managing your account).
10.2 You may also wish to sign up to one or more of the preference services operating in the UK: The Telephone Preference Service (“the TPS”), the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (“the CTPS”), and the Mailing Preference Service (“the MPS”). These may help to prevent you receiving unsolicited marketing. Please note, however, that these services will not prevent you from receiving marketing communications that you have consented to receiving.
11. Your Right to Withhold Information
11.1 You may access certain areas of our Site without providing any data at all. However, to use all features and functions available on our Site you may be required to submit or allow for the collection of certain data.
11.2 You may restrict our use of Cookies. You can choose to enable or disable Cookies in your internet browser. Most internet browsers also enable you to choose whether you wish to disable all cookies or only third party Cookies. By default, most internet browsers accept Cookies but this can be changed. For further details, please consult the help menu in your internet browser or the documentation that came with your device. You can choose to delete Cookies on your computer or device at any time, however you may lose any information that enables you to access our Site more quickly and efficiently.
12. How Can You Access Your Data?
You have the right to ask for a copy of any of your personal data held by us (where such data is held). Please contact us for more details using the contact details below in section 14. Alternatively, please refer to our Data Protection Policy.
13. Our Use of Cookies
13.1 Our Site may place and access certain first party Cookies on your computer or device. First party Cookies are those placed directly by us and are used only by us. We use Cookies to facilitate and improve your experience of our Site and to provide and improve our services. All Cookies used by and on our Site are used in accordance with current Cookie Law.
13.2 By using our Site, you may also receive certain third party Cookies on your computer or device. Third party Cookies are those placed by websites, services, and/or parties other than us. These Cookies are not integral to the functioning of our Site and your use and experience of our Site will not be impaired by refusing consent to them.
13.3 All Cookies used by and on our Site are used in accordance with current Cookie Law.
13.4 Before Cookies are placed on your computer or device, you will be shown a pop-up requesting your consent to set those Cookies. By giving your consent to the placing of Cookies, you are enabling us to provide the best possible experience and service to you. You may, if you wish, deny consent to the placing of Cookies; however certain features of our Site may not function fully or as intended.
13.5 Certain features of our Site depend on Cookies to function. Cookie Law deems these Cookies to be “strictly necessary”. These Cookies are shown below. Your consent will not be sought to place these Cookies, but it is still important that you are aware of them. You may still block these Cookies by changing your internet browser’s settings as detailed below, but please be aware that our Site may not work properly if you do so. We have taken great care to ensure that your privacy is not at risk by allowing them.
13.6 Our Site uses Google Analytics. Website analytics refers to a set of tools used to collect and analyse anonymous usage information, enabling us to better understand how our Site is used. This, in turn, enables us to improve our Site and the services offered through it. You do not have to allow us to use these Cookies, however whilst our use of them does not pose any risk to your privacy or your safe use of our Site, it does enable us to continually improve our Site, making it a better and more useful experience for you. Google’s privacy policy is available at: www.google.com/policies/privacy
13.7 In addition to the controls that we provide, you can choose to enable or disable Cookies in your internet browser. By default, most internet browsers accept Cookies but this can be changed. For further details, please consult the help menu in your internet browser or the documentation that came with your device.
13.8 You can choose to delete Cookies on your computer or device at any time, however you may lose any information that enables you to access our Site more quickly and efficiently.
13.9 It is recommended that you keep your internet browser and operating system up-to-date and that you consult the help and guidance provided by the developer of your internet browser and manufacturer of your computer or device if you are unsure about adjusting your privacy settings.
14. Contacting Us
If you have any questions about our Site or this Privacy Policy, please contact us by email at info@alchemistsinteriordesign.co.uk, by telephone on 01908 394308, or by post at Unit 19, Pulloxhill Business Park, Greenfield Road, Pulloxhill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 5EU. Please ensure that your query is clear, particularly if it is a request for information about the data we hold about you (as under section 12, above).
15. Changes to Our Privacy Policy
We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time (for example, if the law changes). Any changes will be immediately posted on our Site and you will be deemed to have accepted the terms of the Privacy Policy on your first use of our Site following the alterations. We recommend that you check this page regularly to keep up-to-date.
Alchemist’s Interior Design Ltd – Data Protection Policy
1. Introduction
This Policy sets out the obligations of Alchemist’s Interior Design Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales under number 06324418, whose registered office is at Unit 19, Pulloxhill Business Park, Greenfield Road, Pulloxhill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 5EU (“the Company/we/us/our”) regarding data protection and the rights of clients, prospective clients, business contacts, suppliers and sub-contractors (“data subjects”) in respect of their personal data under the EU General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (“GDPR”).
The GDPR defines “personal data” as any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (a “data subject”); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person.
This Policy sets our obligations regarding the collection, processing, transfer, storage, and disposal of personal data. The procedures and principles set out in this Policy must be followed at all times by the Company and our agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf.
We are committed not only to the letter of the law, but also to the spirit of the law and we place high importance on the correct, lawful, and fair handling of all personal data, respecting the legal rights, privacy, and trust of all individuals with whom we deal.
The Principles of the GDPR
2. The Data Protection Principles
This Policy aims to ensure compliance with the GDPR. The GDPR sets out the following principles with which any party handling personal data must comply. All personal data must be:
2.1 Processed lawfully, fairly, and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject.
2.2 Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes. Further processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, or for historical research or statistical purposes will not be considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes.
2.3 Adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which it is processed.
2.4 Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date. Every reasonable step must be taken to ensure that personal data that is inaccurate, having regard to the purposes for which it is processed, is erased or rectified without delay.
2.5 Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data is processed. Personal data may be stored for longer periods insofar as the personal data will be processed solely for archiving purposes in the public interest, or for historical research or statistical purposes, subject to implementation of the appropriate technical and organisational measures required by the GDPR in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the data subject.
2.6 Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures.
3. The Rights of Data Subjects
The GDPR sets out the following rights applicable to data subjects (please refer to the parts of this policy indicated for further details):
3.1 The right to be informed (clause 12).
3.2 The right of access (clause 13);
3.3 The right to rectification (clause 14);
3.4 The right to erasure (also known as the ‘right to be forgotten’) (clause 15);
3.5 The right to restrict processing (clause 16);
3.6 The right to data portability (clause 17);
3.7 The right to object (clause 18); and
3.8 Rights with respect to automated decision-making and profiling (clause 19 and 20).
4. Lawful, Fair, and Transparent Data Processing
4.1 The GDPR seeks to ensure that personal data is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently, without adversely affecting the rights of the data subject. The GDPR states that processing of personal data shall be lawful if at least one of the following applies:
4.1.1 The data subject has given consent to the processing of their personal data for one or more specific purposes;
4.1.2 The processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract with them;
4.1.3 The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the data controller is subject;
4.1.4 The processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person;
4.1.5 The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the data controller; or
4.1.6 The processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the data controller or by a third party, except where such interests are overridden by the fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child.
How we deal with data
5. Personal Data Collected, Held, and Processed for Specified, Explicit and Legitimate Purposes
5.1 Client Data
We collect and process the following personal data in order for us to provide our goods and services:5.1.1 Name;
5.1.2 Contact information including email address, postal address and telephone number;
5.1.3 Delivery and/or site information.
5.2 Prospective Client and Business Contact Data
We collect and process the following personal data in order for us to provide our services and/or where we have received consent to do so:
5.2.1 Name;
5.2.2 Contact information including email address, postal address and telephone number.
5.3 Supplier Data
We collect and process the following personal data in order for us to fulfil a contract and make payments to our suppliers:
5.3.1 Name;
5.3.2 Contact information including email address, postal address and telephone number;
5.3.3 Bank details.
5.4 Website Data
In addition to the above, we collect, hold and process the following personal data via our website:
5.4.1 name and contact information including email address, postal address and telephone number if our contact form is completed;
5.4.2 demographic information such as post code, preferences, and interests;
5.4.3 IP address;
5.4.4 web browser type and version; and
5.4.5 operating system.
5.5 We only collect, process and hold personal data for the specific purposes set out in this clause 5 of this Policy (or for other purposes expressly permitted by the GDPR).
5.6 We will ensure data subjects are kept informed at all times of the purpose or purposes for which we use their personal data. Please refer to clause 12 for more information on how we keep data subjects informed.
6. Adequate, Relevant, and Limited Data Processing
We will only collect and process personal data for and to the extent necessary for the specific purpose or purposes of which data subjects have been informed (or will be informed) as under clause 5 above.
7. Accuracy of Data and Keeping Data Up-to-Date
7.1 We will ensure that all personal data collected, processed, and held by us is kept accurate and up-to-date. This includes, but is not limited to, the rectification of personal data at the request of a data subject, as set out in clause 14, below.
7.2 The accuracy of personal data will be checked when it is collected. If any personal data is found to be inaccurate or out-of-date, all reasonable steps will be taken without delay to amend or erase that data, as appropriate.
8. Data Retention
8.1 We will not keep personal data for any longer than is necessary in light of the purpose or purposes for which that personal data was originally collected, held, and processed.
8.2 When personal data is no longer required, all reasonable steps will be taken to erase or otherwise dispose of it without delay.
8.3 For full details of our approach to data retention, including retention periods for specific personal data types we hold, please ask for further information.
9. Secure Processing
We will ensure that all personal data collected, held, and processed is kept secure and protected against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage. Further details of the technical and organisational measures which shall be taken are provided in clauses 21 to 26 of this Policy.
10. Accountability and Record-Keeping
10.1 Our main point of contact for data protection related queries (our “Data Protection Lead”) is Siobhan Buddrige, who can be contacted by email at info@alchemistsinteriordesign.co.uk.
10.2 Our Data Protection Lead is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this Policy and for monitoring compliance with this Policy, our other data protection-related policies, and with the GDPR and other applicable data protection legislation.
10.3 We will keep written internal records of all personal data collection, holding, and processing, which will incorporate the following information:
10.3.1 Our Company’s name and details, our Data Protection Lead, and any applicable third-party data processors;
10.3.2 The purposes for which we collect, hold and process personal data;
10.3.3 Details of the categories of personal data we collect, hold and process, and the categories of data subject to which that personal data relates;
10.3.4 Details of any transfers of personal data to non-EEA countries including all mechanisms and security safeguards;
10.3.5 Details of how long we will retain the personal data; and
10.3.6 Details of all technical and organisational measures taken by us to ensure the security of personal data.
11. Data Protection Impact Assessments
11.1 We will carry out Data Protection Impact Assessments for any and all new services offered and/or new uses of personal data.
11.2 Data Protection Impact Assessments will be overseen by the Data Protection Lead and will address the following:
11.2.1 The type(s) of personal data that will be collected, held, and processed;
11.2.2 The purpose(s) for which personal data is to be used;
11.2.3 Our objectives;11.2.4 How personal data is to be used;
11.2.5 The parties (internal and/or external) who are to be consulted;
11.2.6 The necessity and proportionality of the data processing with respect to the purpose(s) for which it is being processed;
11.2.7 Risks posed to data subjects;
11.2.8 Risks posed both within and to the Company; and
11.2.9 Proposed measures to minimise and handle identified risks.
12. Keeping Data Subjects Informed
12.1 We will provide the information set out in this clause 12.1 to every data subject at the time of collection of data:
12.1.1 Our Company’s details including, but not limited to, the identity of our Data Protection Lead;
12.1.2 The purpose(s) for which the personal data is being collected and will be processed (as detailed in clause 5 of this Policy) and the legal basis justifying that collection and processing;
12.1.3 Where applicable, the legitimate interests upon which we are justifying our collection and processing of the personal data;
12.1.4 Where the personal data is not obtained directly from the data subject, the categories of personal data collected and processed;
12.1.5 Where the personal data is to be transferred to one or more third parties (such as couriers or payment processing companies), details of those parties;
12.1.6 Where the personal data is to be transferred to a third party that is located outside of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), details of that transfer, including but not limited to the safeguards in place (see clause 27 of this Policy for further details);
12.1.7 Details of data retention;
12.1.8 Details of the data subject’s rights under the GDPR;
12.1.9 Details of the data subject’s right to withdraw their consent to our processing of their personal data at any time;
12.1.10 Details of the data subject’s right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (the “supervisory authority” under the GDPR);
12.1.11 Where applicable, details of any legal or contractual requirement or obligation necessitating the collection and processing of the personal data and details of any consequences of failing to provide it; and
12.1.12 Details of any automated decision-making or profiling that will take place using the personal data, including information on how decisions will be made, the significance of those decisions, and any consequences.
13. Data Subject Access
13.1 Data subjects may make subject access requests (“SARs”) at any time to find out more about the personal data we hold about them, what we are doing with that personal data, and why.
13.2 Data subjects wishing to make a SAR should do by emailing our Data Protection Lead using the email address specified in clause 10.1.
13.3 Responses to SARs shall normally be made within one month of receipt, however this may be extended by up to two months if the SAR is complex and/or numerous requests are made. If such additional time is required, the data subject shall be informed.
13.4 All SARs received shall be handled by our Data Protection Lead.
13.5 We do not charge a fee for the handling of normal SARs. We reserve the right to charge reasonable fees for additional copies of information that has already been supplied to a data subject, and for requests that are manifestly unfounded or excessive, particularly where such requests are repetitive.
14. Rectification of Personal Data
14.1 Data subjects have the right to require us to rectify any of their personal data that is inaccurate or incomplete.
14.2 We will rectify the personal data in question, and inform the data subject of that rectification, within one month of the data subject informing us of the issue. The period can be extended by up to two months in the case of complex requests. If such additional time is required, the data subject shall be informed.
14.3 In the event that any affected personal data has been disclosed to third parties, those parties shall be informed of any rectification that must be made to that personal data.
15. Erasure of Personal Data
15.1 Data subjects have the right to request that we erase the personal data we hold about them in the following circumstances:
15.1.1 It is no longer necessary for us to hold that personal data with respect to the purpose(s) for which it was originally collected or processed;
15.1.2 The data subject wishes to withdraw their consent to us holding and processing their personal data;
15.1.3 The data subject objects to us holding and processing their personal data (and there is no overriding legitimate interest to allow us to continue doing so) (see clause 18 of this Policy for further details concerning the right to object);
15.1.4 The personal data has been processed unlawfully;
15.1.5 The personal data needs to be erased in order for us to comply with a particular legal obligation.
15.2 Unless we have reasonable grounds to refuse to erase personal data, all requests for erasure shall be complied with, and the data subject informed of the erasure, within one month of receipt of the data subject’s request. The period can be extended by up to two months in the case of complex requests. If such additional time is required, the data subject shall be informed.
15.3 In the event that any personal data that is to be erased in response to a data subject’s request has been disclosed to third parties, those parties shall be informed of the erasure (unless it is impossible or would require disproportionate effort to do so).
16. Restriction of Personal Data Processing
16.1 Data subjects may request that we cease processing the personal data we hold about them. If a data subject makes such a request, we will retain only the amount of personal data concerning that data subject (if any) that is necessary to ensure that the personal data in question is not processed further.
16.2 In the event that any affected personal data has been disclosed to third parties, those parties shall be informed of the applicable restrictions on processing it (unless it is impossible or would require disproportionate effort to do so).
17. Data Portability
We do not use automated means to process personal data.
18. Objections to Personal Data Processing
18.1 Data subjects have the right to object to us processing their personal data based on legitimate interests and direct marketing.
18.2 Where a data subject objects to us processing their personal data based on legitimate interests, we will cease such processing immediately, unless it can be demonstrated that our legitimate grounds for such processing override the data subject’s interests, rights, and freedoms, or that the processing is necessary for the conduct of legal claims.
18.3 Where a data subject objects to us processing their personal data for direct marketing purposes, we will cease such processing immediately.
19. Automated Decision-Making
19.1 We may use personal data in automated decision-making processes. Where such decisions have a legal (or similarly significant effect) on data subjects, those data subjects have the right to challenge to such decisions under the GDPR, requesting human intervention, expressing their own point of view, and obtaining an explanation of the decision.
19.2 The right described in this clause 19 does not apply in the following circumstances:
19.2.1 The decision is necessary for the entry into, or performance of, a contract between us and the data subject;
19.2.2 The decision is authorised by law; or
19.2.3 The data subject has given their explicit consent.
20. Profiling
We do not use personal data for profiling purposes.
21. Data Security – Transferring Personal Data and Communications
We will ensure that the following measures are taken with respect to all communications and other transfers involving personal data:
21.1 All emails containing personal data will be stored in an encrypted fashion and using an encrypted connection;
21.2 Personal data will be transmitted over secure networks only; transmission over unsecured networks is not permitted in any circumstances; and
21.3 Where personal data is to be transferred in hardcopy form it will be passed directly to the recipient or sent using normal post.
22. Data Security – Storage
We will ensure that the following measures are taken with respect to the storage of personal data:
22.1 All electronic copies of personal data will be stored securely using passwords and data encryption;
22.2 All hardcopies of personal data, along with any electronic copies stored on physical, removable media will be stored securely in a locked box, drawer, cabinet, or similar;
22.3 All personal data stored electronically will be backed up regularly (normally daily) with back-ups stored offsite. All back-ups will be encrypted;
22.4 No personal data will be stored on any mobile device (including, but not limited to, laptops, tablets, and smartphones), whether such device belongs to us or otherwise without the formal written approval of the Data Protection Lead and, in the event of such approval, strictly in accordance with all instructions and limitations described at the time the approval is given, and for no longer than is absolutely necessary; and
22.5 No personal data will be transferred to any device personally belonging to anyone working on our behalf unless the party in question has agreed to comply fully with the letter and spirit of this Policy and of the GDPR (which may include demonstrating to us that all suitable technical and organisational measures have been taken).
23. Data Security – Disposal
When any personal data is to be erased or otherwise disposed of for any reason (including where copies have been made and are no longer needed), it should be securely deleted and disposed of.
24. Data Security – Use of Personal Data
We will ensure that the following measures are taken with respect to the use of personal data:
24.1 No personal data may be shared informally and if an agent, sub-contractor, or other party working on our behalf requires access to any personal data that they do not already have access to, such access should be formally requested from the Data Protection Lead;
24.2 No personal data may be transferred to any agents, sub-contractors, or other parties, whether such parties are working on our behalf or not, without the authorisation of the Data Protection Lead;
24.3 Personal data must be handled with care at all times and should not be left unattended or on view to unauthorised agents, sub- contractors, or other parties at any time;
24.4 If personal data is being viewed on a computer screen and the computer in question is to be left unattended for any period of time, the user must lock the computer and screen before leaving it; and
24.5 Where personal data held by us is used for marketing purposes, it shall be the responsibility of the Data Protection Lead to ensure that the appropriate consent is obtained and that no data subjects have opted out, whether directly or via a third-party service such as the TPS.
25. Data Security – IT Security
We will ensure that the following measures are taken with respect to IT and information security:
25.1 All passwords used to protect personal data should be changed regularly and should not use words or phrases that can be easily guessed or otherwise compromised. All passwords must contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols;
25.2 Under no circumstances should any passwords be written down or shared between any agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf, irrespective of seniority or department. If a password is forgotten, it must be reset using the applicable method. IT staff do not have access to passwords; and
25.3 All software (including, but not limited to, applications and operating systems) shall be kept up-to-date. Our IT staff shall beresponsible for installing any and all security-related updates as soon as reasonably and practically possible, unless there are valid technical reasons not to do so.
26. Organisational Measures
We will ensure that the following measures are taken with respect to the collection, holding, and processing of personal data:
26.1 All agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf and handling personal data will be:
26.1.1 made fully aware of both their individual responsibilities and the Company’s responsibilities under the GDPR and under this Policy, and shall be provided with a copy of this Policy;
26.1.2 appropriately supervised and trained to do so;
26.1.3 required and encouraged to exercise care, caution, and discretion when discussing work-related matters that relate to personal data, whether in the workplace or otherwise;
26.1.4 bound to do so in accordance with the principles of the GDPR and this Policy by contract;
26.2 Only agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf that need access to, and use of, personal data in order to carry out their assigned duties correctly will have access to the personal data held by us.
26.3 Methods of collecting, holding, and processing personal data will be regularly evaluated and reviewed.
26.4 The performance of those agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf handling personal data will be regularly evaluated and reviewed.
26.5 All agents, sub-contractors, or other parties working on our behalf handling personal data must ensure that any and all of their employees who are involved in the processing of personal data are held to the same conditions as those arising out of this Policy and the GDPR.
26.6 Where any agent, sub-contractor or other party working on our behalf handling personal data fails in their obligations under this Policy, that party shall indemnify and hold us harmless against any costs, liability, damages, loss, claims or proceedings which may arise out of that failure.
27. Transferring Personal Data to a Country Outside the EEA
27.1 We may from time to time transfer (‘transfer’ includes making available remotely) personal data to countries outside of the EEA.
27.2 The transfer of personal data to a country outside of the EEA will take place only if one or more of the following applies:
27.2.1 The transfer is to a country, territory, or one or more specific sectors in that country (or an international organisation), that the European Commission has determined ensures an adequate level of protection for personal data;
27.2.2 The transfer is to a country (or international organisation) which provides appropriate safeguards in the form of a legally binding agreement between public authorities or bodies; binding corporate rules; standard data protection clauses adopted by the European Commission; compliance with an approved code of conduct approved by a supervisory authority (e.g. the Information Commissioner’s Office); certification under an approved certification mechanism (as provided for in the GDPR); contractual clauses agreed and authorised by the competent supervisory authority; or provisions inserted into administrative arrangements between public authorities or bodies authorised by the competent supervisory authority;
27.2.3 The transfer is made with the informed consent of the relevant data subject(s);
27.2.4 The transfer is necessary for the performance of a contract between us and the data subject (or for pre-contractual steps taken at the request of the data subject);
27.2.5 The transfer is necessary for important public interest reasons;
27.2.6 The transfer is necessary for the conduct of legal claims;
27.2.7 The transfer is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or other individuals where the data subject is physically or legally unable to give their consent; or
27.2.8 The transfer is made from a register that, under UK or EU law, is intended to provide information to the public and which is open for access by the public in general or otherwise to those who are able to show a legitimate interest in accessing the register.
28. Data Breach Notification
28.1 All personal data breaches must be reported immediately to our Data Protection Lead.
28.2 If a personal data breach occurs and that breach is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects (e.g. financial loss, breach of confidentiality, discrimination, reputational damage, or other significant social or economic damage), our Data Protection Lead will ensure that the Information Commissioner’s Office is informed of the breach without delay, and in any event, within 72 hours after having become aware of it.
28.3 In the event that a personal data breach is likely to result in a high risk (that is, a higher risk than that described under clause 28.2) to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, our Data Protection Lead will ensure that all affected data subjects are informed of the breach directly and without undue delay.
28.4 Data breach notifications shall include the following information:
28.4.1 The categories and approximate number of data subjects concerned;
28.4.2 The categories and approximate number of personal data records concerned;
28.4.3 The name and contact details of our Data Protection Lead (or other contact point where more information can be obtained);
28.4.4 The likely consequences of the breach;
28.4.5 Details of the measures taken, or proposed to be taken, by us to address the breach including, where appropriate, measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects.
29. Implementation of Policy
29.1 This Policy shall be deemed effective as of May 2018. No part of this Policy shall have retroactive effect and shall thus apply only to matters occurring on or after this date.