This website is operated by McCarthy Webb Solicitors.

We take your privacy very seriously and we ask that you read this Website Privacy Policy carefully as it contains important information on:

• the personal information we collect about you
• what we do with your information, and
• who your information might be shared with

Our website contains links to other websites. This Website Privacy Policy applies only to this website so when you access links to other websites you should read their own privacy policies.

Who we are

McCarthy Webb (‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’) are a ‘data controller’ for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, (ie we are responsible for, and control the processing of, your personal information). References to “our Website” or “the Website” are to www.mccarthywebb.co.uk

The information we collect about you

Personal information provided by you

We collect personal information when you contact us, send us feedback, complete customer surveys etc).

Personal information provided by third parties

Occasionally we receive information about you from other sources, which we will add to the information we already hold about you in order to help us complete your instructions.

Personal information about other individuals

If you give us information on behalf of someone else, you confirm that the other person has appointed you to act on his/her behalf and has agreed that you can:

• give consent on his/her behalf to the processing of his/her personal data;
• receive on his/her behalf any data protection notices;
• give consent to the processing of his/her sensitive personal data (eg health information) should you provide this.

Sensitive personal information

We may ask you to provide sensitive personal information, for example if this is relevant to an enquiry you submit to us or part of your ongoing instructions. If we request such information, we will explain why we are requesting it and how we intend to use it.

Sensitive personal information includes information relating to:

• your ethnic origin
• your political opinions
• your religious beliefs
• whether you belong to a trade union
• your physical or mental health or condition
• your sexual life, and
• whether you have committed a criminal offence.

We will only collect your sensitive personal information with your explicit consent.

Monitoring and recording communications

We may monitor and record communications with you (such as telephone conversations and emails) for the purpose of quality assurance, training, fraud prevention and compliance.

How we will use the information about you

We collect information about you so we can

• identify you and provide the services requested
• communicate with you on any matter relating to the conduct of your instructions in general
• progress your matter
• conduct research, statistical analysis or behavioural analysis
• detect and prevent fraud
• customise our website and its content
• notify you of any changes to our website or to our services that may affect you
• improve our services

Who your information might be shared with

We may disclose your personal data to:

• law enforcement agencies in connection with any investigation to help unlawful activity
• our insurers
• external auditors
• regulatory bodies

Keeping your data secure

We will use technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal data, for example;

• restricted access
• use of passwords
• firewalls
• we store your personal data on secure servers

We will use all reasonable efforts to safeguard your personal data, you acknowledge that the use of the internet is not entirely secure and for this reason we cannot guarantee the security or integrity of any personal data that are transferred from you or to you via the internet. If you have any particular concerns about your information, please contact us (see ‘How can you contact us?’ below).

What can I do to keep my information safe?

If you want detailed information from Get Safe Online on how to protect your information and your computers and devices against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other online problems, please visit www.getsafeonline.org. Get Safe Online is supported by HM Government and leading businesses.

Transfers of your information out of the EEA

We will not transfer your information out of the EEA without obtaining your consent. Rest assured that we will always ensure any transfer is subject to appropriate security measures to safeguard your personal data.

What rights do you have?

Right to request a copy of your information

You can request a copy of your information which we hold (this is known as a subject access request). If you would like a copy of some or all of it, please:

• email, call or write to us (see ‘How can you contact us?’ below
• let us have proof of your identity and address (a copy of your driving licence or passport and a recent utility or credit card bill), and
• let us know the information you want a copy of, including any account or reference numbers, if you have them.

We may charge a small fee for this service.

Right to correct any mistakes in your information

You can require us to correct any mistakes in your information which we hold free of charge. If you would like to do this, please:

• email, call or write to us (see ‘How can you contact us?’ below)
• let us have enough information to identify you (eg matter reference number, full name and address), and
• let us know the information that is incorrect and what it should be replaced with

Right to ask us to stop contacting you with direct marketing

You can ask us to stop contacting you for direct marketing purposes. If you would like to do this, please:

• email, call or write to us (see ‘How can you contact us?’ below). You can also click on the ‘unsubscribe’ button at the bottom of the email newsletter.
• let us know the method of contact you are not happy with if you are unhappy with certain ways of contacting you only (for example, you may be happy for us to contact your by email but not by post)

How to contact us

Please contact us if you have any questions about this privacy policy or the information we hold about you.

If you wish to contact us, please send an email to info@mccarthywebb.co.uk or write to us at Compliance, McCarthy Webb Wish Mews 21 Wish Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4NX or telephone us on 01323 400530.

Changes to the website privacy policy

We may change this privacy policy from time to time. You should check this policy occasionally to ensure you are aware of the most recent version that will apply each time you access this website.

Do you need extra help?

If you would like this policy in another format (for example: audio, large print) please contact us (see ‘How can you contact us?’ above).

Your consent

By submitting your personal information you consent to the use of that information as set out in this policy.