Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2024

Introduction

witty-stone is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our benefits advisory services or visit our website.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Contact details including name, email address, and postal address
• Information about your employment status, health conditions, and financial circumstances relevant to benefit claims
• Documentation you provide to support your case
• Records of our communications with you
• Technical information such as IP addresses and browser types when you visit our website

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide advisory services and process your benefit applications
• Communicate with you about your case
• Liaise with government departments and tribunals on your behalf
• Improve our services and website functionality
• Comply with legal obligations

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contract performance: to deliver the advisory services you have requested
• Legitimate interests: to operate and improve our business
• Legal obligation: to comply with applicable laws
• Consent: where you have given specific consent for particular processing activities

Data Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Government departments and agencies involved in benefit administration
• Tribunals and courts if appeals are required
• Healthcare professionals who provide supporting evidence
• Our professional advisors and insurers

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encrypted communications, secure document storage, and staff training on data protection.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, typically for six years after our last interaction with you, or longer if required by law. Documents relating to tribunal proceedings may be retained for longer periods.

Your Rights

Under data protection law, you have rights including:

• The right to access your personal data
• The right to rectification of inaccurate data
• The right to erasure in certain circumstances
• The right to restrict processing
• The right to data portability
• The right to object to processing

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected] or write to us at 47 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 9UB.

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated revision date.