Who are we?

Whitestone Solicitors Limited is a limited liability company incorporated in England and Wales and is a ‘Controller’ under the General Data Protection Regulation.

 What information will we collect from you?

We will only collect information from you that is relevant to the matter that we are dealing with. In particular we may collect the following information from you which is defined as ‘personal data’:

• Personal details
• Family details, lifestyle and social circumstances
• Goods and services
• Financial details
• Business activities of the person whose details we are processing
• Education and employment details

We may also collect information that is referred to as being in a ‘special category’. This could include:

• Physical or mental health details
• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions
• Religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature
• Sexual orientation
• Criminal convictions
• Offences and alleged offences
• Trade union membership

Who the information is collected from?

We collect and process personal information about;

• ·         Clients
• ·         Suppliers and service providers
• ·         Complainants
• ·         Enquirers
• ·         Advisers, consultants and professional experts
• ·         Employees

How we will use you information?

We will mainly use your information for the provision of legal services and this is necessary for the performance of the contract between us. We may also use it for:

• ·         Administering any accounts
• ·         Processing your bank/credit card details in order to obtain payment
• ·         The prevention and detection of fraud
• ·         Market research
• ·         Marketing
• ·         Credit refence checks (where appropriate)

Who we will share your information with?

Under our strict Code of Conduct there are very strict rules about who we can share your information with and this will normally be limited to other people who assist with your matter. This may include:

• ·         Barristers and solicitors
• ·         Expert witnesses and Forensic Experts
• ·         Private investigators
• ·         Healthcare professionals, social, educational and welfare organisations
• ·         Current, past or prospective employers
• ·         Business associates
• ·         Central government
• ·         Ombudsman and regulatory authorities
• ·         Financial organisations
• ·         Trade associations and professional bodies
• ·         Estate agents
• ·         Courts and tribunals
• ·         High Commission and Embassy’s

Where you authorise us we may also disclose your information to your family, associates or representatives and we may also disclose your information to debt collection agencies if you do not pay your bills

How long we will keep your information for?

We will keep your information throughout the period of time that we do work for you and afterwards for a period of six years as we are required to do so by law. There are exception to this in matters of wills and probate cases and where minors are concerned. 

Our data retention policy is available upon request.

What rights do you have?

You have a series of rights under the General Data Protection Regulation including the right to access a copy of the information we hold about you. Further information on this issue can be obtained from out Data Protection Manager Ms Sadaf Tariq on 01706 645600 or alternatively email at stariq@whitestonesolicitors.co.uk.

Who you can complain to if you are unhappy about what we have done with your information?

If you are unhappy about how we are using your information then initially you should contact the Data Protection Manager and if your complaint remains unresolved then you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office, details available at www.ico.org.uk.