Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Hollins Wood Solicitors is a firm of solicitors authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA ID 8012313).

Registered office: [insert address]
Telephone: [insert number]
Email: info@hollins-woodsolicitors.com

We are a 'data controller' in relation to your personal data.

We have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) responsible for overseeing compliance with data protection law:
Contact: Safwan Patel - SPatel@hollins-woodsolicitors.com

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

- Identity & Contact Information (name, DOB, address, email, phone, NI number, passport/ID).
- Case-Related Information (PI: medical/employment; Housing: tenancy/landlord; PCP/DCA: finance agreements).
- Financial Information (bank details, income, expenditure, credit reports).
- Special Category Data (health, ethnicity, religion, union membership where relevant).
- Technical Information (IP address, browser, cookies).
- Marketing Preferences (consent records).

3. How We Collect Data

We collect data:
- Directly from you.
- From third parties (experts, agencies, insurers, regulators).
- Publicly available sources (Companies House, Land Registry).
- Automatically via our website (cookies, analytics).

4. Purpose & Legal Basis for Processing

Purposes include providing legal services, compliance, risk management, and marketing.
Legal bases: performance of contract, legal obligation, legitimate interests, consent.

5. How We Use Your Data

To provide legal advice, carry out AML checks, liaise with courts/regulators, manage funding, billing, and communicate with you.

6. Sharing & Disclosure

We may share data with barristers, experts, courts, insurers, regulators, IT providers, auditors. All third parties are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.

7. Marketing Communications

We will only send marketing communications with your consent or as permitted by law. You may opt-out at any time.

8. Cookies & Website Tracking

We use cookies for site functionality, analytics, and marketing. You can disable cookies in browser settings. See our Cookie Policy for details.

9. Data Security

We use encryption, secure systems, access controls, and staff training to safeguard your data.

10. Data Retention

Client files are usually retained for six years post-closure, or longer if required. Data is securely deleted thereafter.

11. International Transfers

We do not routinely transfer data outside the UK. If necessary, safeguards such as contractual clauses will be applied.

12. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict, port, object, and withdraw consent. Contact our DPO to exercise these rights.

13. Complaints

If unhappy, contact us or complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) via www.ico.org.uk. You may also contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority for professional conduct matters.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. Updates will be posted on our website with a new 'last updated' date.