Privacy Policy

Last updated: 15 January 2024

1. Introduction

London Vesta College ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you provide to us, including but not limited to:

Name and contact details (email, phone number, address)
Date of birth
Educational background and qualifications
Employment history
National Insurance number (for apprenticeships)
Equal opportunities monitoring data (optional)

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Pages visited and time spent
Referring website

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Process your applications for our programmes
Communicate with you about your application or enrolment
Provide educational services and support
Send marketing communications (with your consent)
Improve our website and services
Comply with legal obligations
Safeguarding and prevent fraud

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

Consent: For marketing communications and optional data
Contract: To provide educational services
Legal obligation: For regulatory compliance
Legitimate interests: For business operations and improvements

5. Data Sharing

We may share your information with:

Government bodies (e.g., Education and Skills Funding Agency)
Awarding organisations for qualifications
Employer partners (for apprenticeships and work placements)
Service providers (e.g., email platforms, CRM systems)
Professional advisors when required

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of sensitive data
Regular security assessments
Access controls and authentication
Staff training on data protection

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for:

Active learners: Duration of programme plus 6 years
Applicants (not enrolled): 2 years
Marketing contacts: Until consent withdrawn
Website analytics: 26 months

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your personal data
Rectify inaccurate data
Erase your data (in certain circumstances)
Restrict processing
Data portability
Object to processing
Withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@vestacollege.co.uk.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. For detailed information, please see our Cookie Policy.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 without parental consent. If you're under 16, please ensure you have permission from a parent or guardian before providing any personal information.

11. International Transfers

We store and process your data in the UK. If we transfer data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer
London Vesta College
123 Education Street
London, EC1A 1AA
Email: dpo@vestacollege.co.uk
Phone: 0207 377 0731

14. Complaints

If you're not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.