Online Data & Privacy Policy
Last updated: 4th July 2025
I (Lorraine Cookson) am committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled securely and transparently. This policy explains how I collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use my website and associated services.
Data Controller
Lorraine Cookson
Email: info@lorrainecookson.co.uk
You can contact me regarding any privacy concerns or data subject requests at this email.
What Personal Data Do I Collect?
I collect personal data you provide voluntarily when you:
- Sign up for newsletters or email updates (e.g., name, email address, preferences)
- Submit enquiry or contact forms (e.g., name, email, phone number, message content)
- Use any interactive features on the website
I also collect some technical data automatically, such as:
- Your IP address
- Browser type and version
- Referring website URLs
- Date and time of access
How Do I Use Your Personal Data?
I use your data to:
- Provide you with newsletters, updates, offers, and resources you have requested
- Respond to your enquiries and provide requested information or services
- Improve and maintain the website and its security
- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
Legal Basis for Processing
My lawful basis for processing your personal data is primarily:
- Your consent (e.g., when you sign up for newsletters)
- The performance of a contract or taking steps at your request prior to entering a contract (e.g., responding to enquiries)
- Compliance with a legal obligation
- My legitimate interests in running and improving my business and website, provided this does not override your rights
How and Where Is Your Data Stored?
Your data is stored securely using industry-standard practices:
- Email and newsletter data is stored by Mailchimp, a GDPR-compliant third-party provider. MailChimp’s privacy policy can be found here.
- Website form data is stored on my web hosting provider’s servers, protected by secure protocols.
- I do not sell or share your data with third parties other than those required to provide my services (i.e. MailChimp).
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
My website uses only essential cookies required for site functionality, such as:
- CookieMessage: to remember your consent to this cookie policy (expires after 180 days)
- PHPSESSID: to maintain your browser session (expires when you close your browser)
No tracking or marketing cookies (e.g., Google Analytics) are currently used.
If I introduce any non-essential cookies in the future, I will update this policy accordingly.
Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
- Access the personal data I hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request erasure of your data (subject to certain conditions)
- Object to or restrict processing of your data
- Request data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time (without affecting processing prior to withdrawal)
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your rights have been violated
To exercise these rights, please contact me at info@lorrainecookson.co.uk.
Data Retention
I keep your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above or to comply with legal obligations.
For example:
- Newsletter subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe
- Enquiry data may be retained for up to 2 years for follow-up or legal compliance (whilst most enquiries will be deleted well before this time)
Links to Other Websites
My website may contain links to external sites. I am not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any personal data.
Changes to This Policy
I may update this policy occasionally to reflect changes in the law or my practices. The latest version will always be available here with an updated date.
Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your data is handled, please contact me:
Lorraine Cookson
Email: info@lorrainecookson.co.uk