Last Updated: August 4, 2024
Introduction
This privacy policy explains how spire-magpie collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information provided by clients and website visitors. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy and handling your data responsibly in accordance with UK data protection laws.
Information We Collect
When you request a consultation or use our services, we may collect the following types of information:
- Personal identification information including name, email address, and postal address
- National Insurance number when required for benefits assessment
- Financial information relevant to benefits eligibility
- Medical information you choose to share regarding health-related benefits claims
- Details about your employment, housing, and household circumstances
- Communication records including emails and consultation notes
How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide for the following purposes:
- To assess your eligibility for various benefits and pensions
- To prepare applications, appeals, and supporting documentation on your behalf
- To communicate with you about your case and provide consultation services
- To maintain accurate records of our professional services
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- To improve our services based on aggregate client feedback
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal bases:
- Contractual necessity: to fulfill our consultation services agreement with you
- Legitimate interests: to maintain business records and improve our services
- Legal obligation: to comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Consent: where you have explicitly agreed to specific data processing activities
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
- With government agencies when submitting benefits applications on your behalf
- With medical professionals or other parties when you authorize us to obtain supporting evidence
- With legal or regulatory authorities when required by law
- With service providers who assist us in delivering our services, under strict confidentiality agreements
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Secure storage of physical documents in locked filing systems
- Encryption of electronic data
- Access controls limiting who can view client information
- Regular security assessments and updates to our systems
- Staff training on data protection responsibilities
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal requirements. Generally, we retain client records for seven years following the conclusion of services, after which records are securely destroyed unless there is a legal obligation to retain them longer.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Right to access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Right to rectification: You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to erasure: You may request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
- Right to restrict processing: You may request that we limit how we use your data
- Right to data portability: You may request your data in a structured, commonly used format
- Right to object: You may object to certain types of data processing
- Rights related to automated decision-making: We do not use automated decision-making or profiling
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected].
Cookies and Website Usage
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please see our Cookie Policy.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Address: 47 Bridgewater Street, Liverpool L1 0AY, United Kingdom
Supervisory Authority
If you believe we have not handled your personal data properly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues.