PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION
Introduction
This policy sets out the different areas where user privacy is concerned and outlines the obligations & requirements of the users, the website and website owners. Furthermore, the way this website processes, stores and protects user data and information will also be detailed within this policy.
The website
This website and its owners take a proactive approach to user privacy and ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect the privacy of its users throughout their visiting experience. This website complies with all UK national laws and requirements for user privacy.
Use of cookies
What are cookies?
Cookies are small files saved to the user’s computer’s hard drive that track, save and store information about the user’s interactions and usage of the website. This allows the website, through its server to provide the users with a tailored experience within this website.
What do we use cookies for?
We may use cookies to remember personal settings you have chosen at our website. In no other context do we use cookies to collect information that identifies you personally. Most of the cookies we set are automatically deleted from your computer when you leave our website or shortly afterwards.
We use anonymous session cookies (short-term cookies that disappear when you close your browser) to help you navigate the website and make the most of the features.
This website uses tracking software to monitor its visitors to better understand how they use it. This software is provided by Google Analytics which uses cookies to track visitor usage. The software will save a cookie to your computer’s hard drive in order to track and monitor your engagement and usage of the website, but will not store, save or collect personal information.
Should users wish to deny the use and saving of cookies from this website onto their computer’s hard drive, they should take necessary steps within their web browser’s security settings to block all cookies from this website and its external serving vendors.
How you can manage your cookies
The browsers of most computers, smartphones and other web-enabled devices are typically set up to accept cookies. If you wish to amend your cookie preferences for this website or any other websites, you can do this through your browser settings. Your browser’s ‘help’ function will tell you how to prevent your browser from accepting new cookies, how to have the browser notify you when you receive a new cookie and how to disable cookies altogether. You can also disable or delete similar data used by browser add-ons, such as Flash cookies, by changing the add-on’s settings or visiting the website of its manufacturer.
Cookies are often used to enable and improve certain functions on our website. If you choose to switch certain cookies off, it is likely to affect how our website works. For example, if your browser is set to disable ‘session’ cookies, although you will still be able to view our public website, you won’t be able to log on to My Berkeley. If you leave cookies turned on, remember to sign off when you finish using a shared computer.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit the following websites for further information on Cookies:
Information about cookies
Comprehensive information on how to block or erase cookies on a wide variety of desktop browsers:
Useful information about cookies can be found at:
http://www.allaboutcookies.org/
Internet Advertising Bureau
A guide to behavioural advertising and online privacy has been produced by the Internet advertising industry which can be found at:
http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/
International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom
Information on the ICC (UK) UK cookie guide can be found on this document from the ICC website.
Personal information
At no point whilst using our website do we require you to provide personal information. You may wish to contact PTA via the email address or postal address in our Contacts page but we do not facilitate personal data entry directly into our website.
Should you contact us by email or post then we will ensure that all personal information supplied is held securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and EU data protection principles. Further, by providing your contact details, you consent to PTA contacting you. You have the right at any time to request a copy of the personal information we hold on you. Should you wish to receive a copy of this, or would like to be removed from our records, please contact us at central@ptaconsult.co.uk.
Any personal information submitted to PTA will NEVER be sold or made available to third parties.
Information collection and use
How do we collect information?
PTA collects information only in the following manner:
When you contact us directly (“Directly Provided Data”)
When you email us or communicate via post, you may choose to voluntarily give us certain information. All this information requires a direct action by you at that time in order for us to receive it.
How long do we keep your data for?
PTA will not retain your personal information longer than necessary. We will hold onto the information you provide only as long as we are in contact with you. One month after the final contact by either party your data will be deleted from our records unless you agree explicitly to the contrary.
PTA will not pass on your personally identifiable information, gathered as a result of contacting us, to anyone, without your prior consent.
Choosing how we use your data
We understand that you trust us with your personal information and we are committed to ensuring you can manage the privacy and security of your personal information yourself.
With respect to the information relating to you that ends up in our possession, and recognising that it is your choice to provide us with your personally identifiable information, we commit to giving you the ability to do all of the following:
- You can verify the details you have submitted to PTA by contacting us on 01494 772721 or emailing central@ptaconsult.co.uk. Our security procedures mean that we may request proof of identity before we reveal information, including your e-mail address and possibly your address.
- You can also contact us by the same method to change, correct, or delete your personal information controlled by PTA regarding you at any time.
- You can request a readable copy of the personal data we hold on you at any time. To do this, please contact us as above.
Please note, we are constantly reviewing how we process and protect data. Therefore, changes to our policy may occur at any time. We will endeavour to publicise any changes.