VQ Communications Ltd – GDPR Compliance Statement
Commitment
We are committed to the principles inherent in the GDPR and particularly to the concepts of privacy by design, the right to be forgotten, consent and a risk-based approach. In addition, we aim to ensure:
- transparency with regard to the use of data
- that any processing is lawful, fair, transparent and necessary for a specific purpose
- that data is accurate, kept up to date and removed when no longer necessary
- that data is kept safely and securely.
Staffing
Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) is Giles Adams, who works to promote awareness of the GDPR throughout VQ Communications. Our DPO oversees our commitment to best practice and informs and advises VQ Communications and monitors compliance.
Policy
Our privacy policy is available on our website and a copy has been made available to all employees and to contractors and suppliers associated with this organisation. It forms part of the induction training of all new staff and follow-up sessions will be put in place if the legislation changes or further guidance is available.
Right to be forgotten
We recognise the right to erasure, also known as the right to be forgotten, laid down in the GDPR. Individuals should contact info@vqcomms.com with requests for the deletion or removal of personal data. These will be acted on provided there is no compelling reason for continued processing and that the exemptions set out in the GDPR do not apply. These exemptions include where the personal data is processed for the exercise or defence of legal claims and to comply with a legal obligation for the performance of a public interest task or exercise of official authority.
Subject access requests
We recognise that individuals have the right to access their personal data and supplementary information and will comply with the one month timeframe for responses set down in the GDPR. As a general rule, a copy of the requested information will be provided free of charge although we reserve the right to charge a “reasonable fee” when a request is manifestly unfounded or excessive, particularly if it is repetitive. If this proves necessary, the data subject will be informed of their right to contest our decision with the supervisory authority (the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)).
As set out in the GDPR, any fee will be notified in advance and will be based on the administrative cost of providing the information.
Privacy
Our privacy notice is on our website and explains our lawful basis for processing the data and gives the data retention periods. It makes clear that individuals have a right to complain to the ICO.
Privacy Information Notices
The privacy information notices for website visitors can be accessed http://www.vqcomms.com/privacy-policy/
The privacy information notices for existing and former clients can be accessed https://www.vqcomms.com/privacy-policy-customers/
Data loss
If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals, the people affected will be informed as soon as possible and the ICO will be notified within 72 hours.
GDPR contact
Any questions related to GDPR or to issues concerning data protection generally should initially be addressed to info@vqcomms.com.