Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 19 February 2025

Creative Writing Retreats Ltd ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and postal address
  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
  • Course enrolment information and preferences
  • Writing samples and coursework submitted as part of our programmes
  • Communications with us, including emails and contact form submissions

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our courses and services
  • Process your enrolments and payments
  • Send you course materials, updates, and administrative information
  • Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
  • Send you marketing communications (with your consent)
  • Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Legal Basis for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Contract Performance: Processing necessary to fulfil our contract with you for course delivery
  • Legitimate Interests: For business operations, fraud prevention, and service improvement
  • Consent: For marketing communications and optional data processing
  • Legal Obligation: To comply with UK laws and regulations

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Course instructors and mentors (only information necessary for course delivery)
  • Payment processors and financial institutions
  • Service providers who assist with our operations (hosting, email services, etc.)
  • Legal authorities when required by law

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Course materials and records are typically retained for 7 years after course completion for educational and legal purposes.

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit 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 marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@creativewritingretreats.co.uk

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our website. For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed in the United Kingdom. If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental consent.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Creative Writing Retreats Ltd
47 Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2RA
United Kingdom
Email: hello@creativewritingretreats.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7946 8352

13. Supervisory Authority

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your personal data appropriately:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House, Water Lane
Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF
Tel: 0303 123 1113
Website: www.ico.org.uk