Privacy and data protection

I respect the privacy of website users. I am based in the UK and use and retain information for business and professional purposes in line with UK data protection regulations. I am registered with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, registration number ZA452474.

I use StatCounter to track visits to this website and others I run (StatCounter’s privacy policy). StatCounter automatically logs the browser’s domain name, IP address, the date and time of visit, browser software, operating system version, screen resolution, referring link, the current page URL and the current page title.

I use MailChimp for my email newsletter (MailChimp’s privacy policy). Users opt-in to receive this by completing an online or paper form. Anyone wanting to unsubscribe from the newsletter can do so by clicking on ‘unsubscribe’ at the bottom of any email or by contacting me.

Personal information

I will only use personal information to:

– Provide specifically requested information, such as to answer your e-mails or contact you when necessary

– Send you communications I think may interest you, and

– Carry out my legitimate business that may include providing communications services for others, consultancy and advisory services, education, training and preparing information with a view to publication.

Please inform me if you do not wish to receive any communications.

Consent

Consent is sought wherever and whenever possible and required. However, some information may be held for journalistic purposes where consent is not required.

Disclosures

I will only disclose personal information where I am required to do so by law.

Information security

I take reasonable technical and organisational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of personal data. All information provided is stored on secure (password- and firewall-protected) servers and devices. I cannot guarantee the security of data sent over the internet.

Data protection policy amendments

I may update this policy from time to time by posting revisions here. Please check here occasionally for any changes.

User rights

Users may request copies of personal information held by me, subject to

– providing appropriate evidence of identity – such as a copy of the photo pages of a passport certified by a solicitor or bank plus a copy of a (utility) bill showing your current address.

I may withhold information within legal limits.

By e-mailing me, you authorise me to retain such personal information within the scope of current legislation.

Other websites

I accept no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of other websites.

Updating information

Please inform me if personal information needs correcting or updating.

Questions

Queries about this policy and data retention should be sent to mail [AT] samathieson.com or by post to Dept 10055, PO Box 15113, Birmingham, B2 2NJ.

SA Mathieson, data controller, May 2018