Privacy Policy

PRIVACY POLICY
(UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018 Compliant Draft)

Effective Date:           March 2026
Business Name:        Next Step Guide
Contact Email:           admin@nextstepguide.com
Jurisdiction:                England and Wales
 
1. Introduction
Next Step Guide is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We understand that individuals accessing our resources may be navigating sensitive or significant life transitions. We therefore treat all personal information with discretion, care, and integrity.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in accordance with:
•    The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
•    The Data Protection Act 2018
•    The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
By using our website or purchasing our products, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
 
2. Data Controller
For the purposes of data protection law, Next Step Guide is the Data Controller of your personal data.
Contact details:
[Insert Business Address if applicable]
[Insert Email Address]
 
3. Personal Data We May Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:
Information You Provide Directly:
•    Name
•    Email address
•    Billing information
•    Purchase history
•    Communications you send to us
Automatically Collected Data:
•    IP address
•    Browser type
•    Device information
•    Website usage data (via cookies and analytics tools)
We do not intentionally collect special category data (such as health, political views, or religious beliefs). If such information is voluntarily disclosed, it will be handled sensitively and securely.
 
4. Lawful Basis for Processing (UK GDPR Article 6)
We process personal data on the following lawful bases:
•    Contractual necessity – to deliver purchased products or services
•    Legitimate interests – to improve services and communicate appropriately
•    Consent – for email marketing or newsletters
•    Legal obligation – where required by law (e.g., accounting compliance)
You may withdraw consent at any time.
 
5. How We Use Your Data
Your information may be used to:
•    Deliver digital guides and purchased products
•    Provide customer support
•    Process payments securely
•    Improve website functionality
•    Send relevant updates or resources (if opted in)
•    Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal data.
 
6. Data Sharing
We may share limited data with trusted third-party service providers strictly where necessary, such as:
•    Payment processors
•    Email marketing platforms
•    Website hosting providers
•    Professional advisers (legal/accounting)
All third parties are required to handle your data securely and in compliance with data protection law.
 
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for:
•    Fulfilling contractual obligations
•    Legal and tax record requirements
•    Legitimate business purposes
You may request deletion of your personal data where applicable.
 
8. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the right to:
•    Access your personal data
•    Rectify inaccurate data
•    Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
•    Restrict processing
•    Object to processing
•    Data portability
•    Withdraw consent at any time
•    Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Requests may be sent to: info@firststepguide.com
 
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
 
10. Cookies
Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience and analyse website traffic. You will be given the option to manage cookie preferences upon visiting the site.
 
11. International Transfers
If any data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in accordance with UK GDPR.
 
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website.