Privacy and Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Stanworth Law is committed to safeguarding your personal data and ensuring your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using our services or website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
1. Scope and Applicability
This Privacy Policy applies to: – Current and prospective clients of Stanworth Law. – Users of our website (www.stanworthlaw.co.uk). – Third parties involved in legal cases handled by Stanworth Law. – Suppliers and service providers.
2. What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal data:
- Identity and Contact Data: Name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth.
- Financial Data: Payment details, bank account information, and financial history.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and website usage patterns.
- Usage Data: Information about how you interact with our website and services.
3. How We Collect Your Data
We collect data through:
- Direct Interactions: When you fill out forms or correspond with us via phone, email, or post.
- Automated Technologies: Data collected through cookies and server logs when you use our website.
- Third Parties: Information from public sources, referrals, or other professionals involved in your case.
4. How We Use Your Data
We process your personal data for the following purposes:
- To provide legal services and manage your case.
- To fulfil regulatory and legal obligations.
- To improve our services and website functionality.
- To communicate with you about your case or query.
- To send marketing communications (only with your explicit consent).
5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data under the following legal bases:
- Performance of a Contract: To deliver the services you engage us for.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.
- Legitimate Interests: For business operations and service improvement.
- Consent: For sending marketing communications.
6. Data Sharing
We may share your personal data with:
- Legal professionals, barristers, and expert witnesses involved in your case.
- Regulatory authorities, such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
- Third-party service providers, including IT support and storage providers.
- Law enforcement agencies, where required by law.
We ensure all third parties adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection standards.
7. International Data Transfers
We do not routinely transfer data outside the UK. If international transfers are necessary, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as adequacy decisions or Standard Contractual Clauses.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes stated. Typical retention periods include:
- Case Records: Retained for six years after the conclusion of the case.
- Financial Records: Retained for seven years to comply with legal requirements.
- Website Logs: Retained for 12 months for analytical purposes.
9. Your Rights
You have the following rights under data protection laws:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
- Rectification: Correct inaccuracies in your data.
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations).
- Restriction: Limit how your data is processed.
- Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
- Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for specific uses.
10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies to:
- Improve functionality.
- Analyse visitor behaviour through analytics tools.
- Store user preferences.
You can manage cookies through your browser settings. For more details, see our Cookies Policy.
11. Complaints and Contact Information
If you are dissatisfied with our services, you can contact our complaints handler, Mr. Taymour Akhtar, at:
Email: complaints@stanworthlaw.co.uk
Address: 39 Trafalgar Street, Burnley, BB11 1RA If unresolved, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman at:
Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk
Phone: 0300 555 0333
Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
Address: PO Box 6806, Wolverhampton, WV1 9WJ
12. Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Stanworth Law has appointed Taymour Akhtar as our Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO is responsible for overseeing our data protection policies and practices to ensure compliance with data protection laws and safeguarding your rights. If you have any questions or concerns about how we handle your personal data, you can contact Taymour Akhtar at info@stanworthlaw.co.uk.
13. Staff Training and Awareness
We ensure that all staff at Stanworth Law are trained on data protection principles and practices. Regular training is provided to ensure that personal data is handled in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This ensures that all members of our team are aware of their responsibilities when processing your personal information.
14. Data Security Measures
Stanworth Law takes data security seriously and implements strong technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data. These include:
- Encryption of personal data where necessary.
- Secure storage of client records both digitally and physically.
- Access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access personal data.
- Regular security audits to monitor and enhance the effectiveness of our security protocols.
15. Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy is regularly updated to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. The latest version is effective as of 20/11/2024.