Data Protection Policy

Effective Date: 1st January 2025

1. Introduction

UK Fishing School is committed to protecting the personal data of our clients in compliance with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect client data.

2. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that UK Fishing School:

Protects the privacy rights of its clients.
Complies with legal obligations related to data protection.
Demonstrates accountability in handling personal data.

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all personal data relating to our clients that we collect, process, or store, whether electronically or in physical form.

4. Definitions

Personal Data: Information that identifies or could identify an individual, such as name, email address, phone number, and payment details.
Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, including collection, storage, use, and sharing.
Data Subject: The individual whose personal data is being processed (e.g., our clients).

5. Data Collection

We collect personal data only when it is necessary to provide services to our clients, such as:

Booking fishing lessons or events.
Communicating updates or changes to bookings.
Responding to inquiries or complaints.

The personal data we may collect includes:

Full name.
Contact details (email address, phone number, postal address).
Payment details.
Preferences (e.g., fishing techniques or locations of interest).

6. Legal Basis for Processing

UK Fishing School processes client data on the following legal bases:

Consent: When clients actively provide consent, such as subscribing to newsletters.
Contractual Necessity: To fulfill the services agreed upon, such as booking lessons.
Legitimate Interests: For operational purposes like improving services, while respecting client rights.
Legal Obligations: When required by law, such as retaining financial records.

7. Data Use

We use client data for the following purposes:

Managing bookings and delivering services.
Sending relevant updates or information.
Maintaining financial records for tax and accounting purposes.
Enhancing the client experience through feedback and analysis.

8. Data Sharing

We do not sell or share personal data with third parties, except:

With trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors) who assist in service delivery.
When legally required to comply with a regulatory or legal obligation.

All third-party partners are required to adhere to data protection standards and only use client data for agreed purposes.

9. Data Storage and Retention

Personal data is stored securely in electronic or physical formats.
We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data.
Data retention periods are based on the purpose of processing:
- Booking records: Retained for [Insert Duration, e.g., 6 years] for tax and accounting compliance.
- Marketing data: Retained until the client opts out or withdraws consent.

10. Client Rights

Clients have the following rights under the UK GDPR:

Access: To request a copy of their personal data.
Rectification: To request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
Erasure: To request the deletion of personal data under specific circumstances.
Restriction: To limit processing under certain conditions.
Data Portability: To request a transfer of their data to another service provider.
Objection: To object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.

Requests to exercise these rights should be directed to our Data Protection Officer (DPO).

11. Data Breach Management

In the event of a data breach:

Affected clients will be notified if their data is at risk.
UK Fishing School will report significant breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours.

12. Marketing Communications

Marketing emails or messages will only be sent to clients who have provided explicit consent.
Clients can withdraw their consent or unsubscribe at any time.

13. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or data protection requests, please contact: support@ukfishingschool.co.uk

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legal requirements.

By using our services, clients agree to the terms outlined in this Data Protection Policy.