PRIVACY POLICY

Who I am:

My name is Michelle Higgs and I operate my writing, editing and proofreading business as a sole trader.

The General Data Protection Regulation (2018) sets out rules that govern how businesses manage and protect the personal data they hold. This document details how I protect and use the information you provide when you contact me through my website (www.michellehiggs.co.uk) or via email.

I collect, store and use your data to:

  • respond to requests about the services I offer
  • provide a writing, editing and proofreading service, as requested
  • comply with legal requirements

The data I collect may include:

  • your name
  • your email address
  • your postal address
  • details about your enquiry

I use your data to:

  • respond to your enquiry
  • contact you about an ongoing project
  • complete accounting processes, such as invoicing

I do not operate a mailing list and I will never use your data for marketing or promotional purposes without your written consent. This might include publishing a testimonial you have written about my services or including your name in directories in which I am listed.

I will not pass your information on to a third party unless I am required to do so by law or you ask me to, for example, if I am unable to provide the service you require but I know someone who can.

How I protect your data:

I carry out my writing, editing and prooreading work on a password-protected computer, to which only I have access. My files are backed up on to an external hard drive that is stored securely. My emails are held on the Gmail email system, which is password-protected. My website is hosted by Create; it is password-protected and has SSL-certification (https) for extra security. This is the Create privacy policy.

How long your data is kept for:

I am required by HMRC to keep tax records, including invoices, for at least five years. In addition, I work with many clients more than once so I do not delete your data unless you ask me to.

At all times, you have the right to know what data I hold about you. Please ask by sending a message to my usual email address ([email protected]).

You have the right to ask for your data to be deleted (unless I am required to keep your name and address on file for tax purposes). Please contact me by email if you would like me to do this ([email protected]).

Cookies and how they are used:

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer when you browse my website. The cookies collect standard internet log information and details about which pages you visit on the website. I use cookies for web analytics through Google Analytics and Create. I cannot gain access to your computer through cookies, nor can I collect additional information about you through them.

If you do not want my website to store cookies on your computer or other device, you can choose to amend your settings via your web browser's cookie settings. Please note that this may affect how my website functions for you and some pages may become unavailable.

External links:

Although my website has links to other websites, please note that I have no control over them. Always check the website's data protection and privacy polices before providing any data about yourself. If you give information to a website I have linked to, I am not responsible for the privacy and protection of that information.