Introduction
This privacy policy explains how vine-crane collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our services or visit our website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your data is handled responsibly and transparently.
Information We Collect
We collect information that you provide directly to us when you:
- Request a consultation through our website forms
- Engage our services for benefit application assistance
- Communicate with us via email or in person
- Visit our website (through cookies and similar technologies)
The types of information we collect include:
- Personal identification information (name, email address, postal address)
- National Insurance number
- Financial information relevant to benefit applications
- Medical information if relevant to your claim
- Employment history and income details
- Information about your household composition
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To provide benefit application assistance services
- To communicate with you about your application status
- To submit applications to relevant government authorities on your behalf
- To respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
- To improve our services and website functionality
- To comply with legal obligations
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contract performance: Processing necessary to fulfill our services to you
- Consent: You have given explicit consent for specific processing activities
- Legal obligation: Processing required to comply with legal requirements
- Legitimate interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate business operations, balanced against your rights
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
- Government agencies: DWP, HMRC, local councils, and other authorities processing your benefit applications
- Professional advisors: Lawyers, accountants, and consultants assisting with your case
- Service providers: Third-party providers who support our business operations (email hosting, document storage)
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encrypted data transmission and storage
- Access controls and authentication requirements
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Staff training on data protection practices
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:
- Client files are retained for 7 years after case completion for legal compliance
- Financial records are retained for 6 years as required by UK tax law
- Marketing enquiries not converted to clients are retained for 2 years
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:
- Right of access: Request copies of your personal data
- Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
- Right to restrict processing: Request limitation of how we use your data
- Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for consent-based processing
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]
Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyze site traffic. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please see our Cookies Policy.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date.
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:
vine-crane
47 Deansgate
Manchester M3 2AY
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe our processing of your personal data violates data protection law.
ICO Website: ico.org.uk
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113