Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Last updated: January 2024
Introduction
ash-node is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use our website or services.
By using our website or engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, postal address when you submit enquiries or request consultations.
- Service-Related Information: Details about your benefits circumstances, employment history, health conditions relevant to your claim, and financial information necessary to assess entitlements.
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and pages visited when you access our website.
- Communication Records: Records of correspondence between you and our team.
How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide consultation and application assistance services you have requested
- To communicate with you regarding your enquiries and ongoing cases
- To improve our website functionality and user experience
- To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- To protect our legitimate business interests
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Contract: Processing necessary for providing services you have requested
- Consent: Where you have given explicit consent for specific processing activities
- Legal Obligation: Where processing is necessary to comply with applicable laws
- Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate business purposes, provided these do not override your fundamental rights
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:
- Government agencies (DWP, HMRC, local authorities) where necessary to process your benefits application with your consent
- Professional advisors acting on our behalf under contractual obligations of confidentiality
- Law enforcement agencies when required by law
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected. Client records are typically retained for six years following the conclusion of our services, in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
Your Rights
Under data protection legislation, you have the following rights:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to rectification of inaccurate data
- Right to erasure in certain circumstances
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Rights related to automated decision-making
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encrypted data storage, secure server infrastructure, and access controls limiting data access to authorised personnel only.
International Transfers
Your personal data is stored and processed within the United Kingdom. We do not transfer personal data outside the UK unless necessary for service delivery and appropriate safeguards are in place.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:
ash-node
147 Corporation Street
Birmingham, B4 6SB
Email: [email protected]
Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated. The ICO can be contacted at ico.org.uk or by post at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.