Internal working document · Owner: [name / role] · Last updated: 9 June 2026 · Review: every 12 months
A short, practical process for handling personal data in line with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and PECR (as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025). Keeping a documented process is itself part of compliance.
1. What personal data we hold
| Data | Where it lives | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Enquiry data (name, email, phone, organisation, message) | Website contact form → email inbox / CRM | Website visitors |
| Client & membership records | CRM / accounting system | Clients |
| Website analytics (aggregated) | Analytics tool | Consenting visitors |
2. Lawful basis
- Enquiries: legitimate interests / pre-contract steps.
- Clients & memberships: contract.
- Marketing updates: consent (opt-in only).
- Analytics cookies: consent (banner).
- Tax/accounting records: legal obligation.
3. Retention
- Non-converting enquiries: delete after 24 months of no contact.
- Client/member records: keep for the relationship + 6 years (tax/legal), then delete.
- Run a retention review every 6 months – diarise it.
4. Consent & cookies
- Cookie banner (CookieYes) must offer Accept all and Reject all with equal prominence.
- Analytics/non-essential cookies stay off until consent.
- Google Analytics runs through Consent Mode v2.
- Keep the banner’s consent log (CookieYes records this) as evidence of consent.
5. Handling a data-subject / access request (DSAR)
People can ask to access, correct, delete, or object to use of their data, or withdraw consent.
- Log the request (date, who, what they want).
- Verify their identity (match against records).
- Respond within one calendar month (free of charge).
- Locate all their data across inbox, CRM and any provider.
- Provide / correct / delete as requested, and confirm in writing.
- If you refuse (rare), explain why and tell them they can complain to the ICO.
Single point of contact for requests: hello@thebuildroom.co.uk
6. Data breaches
- Contain it (change passwords, revoke access).
- Assess the risk to individuals.
- If there’s a risk to people’s rights, report to the ICO within 72 hours (ico.org.uk).
- If high risk, tell the affected individuals.
- Record what happened and what you did – even for breaches you don’t report.
7. Suppliers (processors)
Keep a short list of who processes data for you and check each has a privacy/processing agreement. Note any that process data outside the UK and confirm safeguards are in place.
| Supplier | Purpose | UK or overseas |
|---|---|---|
| [Host] | Website hosting | |
| [Email provider] | Enquiries | |
| Analytics | Site analytics | |
| CookieYes | Consent management |
8. Quick compliance checklist
- ☐ Privacy Policy published and linked in footer
- ☐ Cookie Policy published and linked in footer
- ☐ Cookie banner live with equal Accept/Reject
- ☐ Analytics blocked until consent (Consent Mode v2)
- ☐ Retention review diarised (6-monthly)
- ☐ DSAR contact inbox monitored
- ☐ Supplier list kept current
- ☐ Consider whether ICO registration / data protection fee applies (check at ico.org.uk)
Note: This is an internal working document, not legal advice. Have it reviewed by a qualified adviser before relying on it.