Our Privacy Policy: How We Handle Your Information

We believe your trust is paramount, especially when discussing sensitive topics like NHS gambling clinics and medical CPD. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you visit protectcme.org. We are committed to handling your information responsibly and in accordance with UK data protection law.

What Information We Collect and Why

We collect information to operate our site, respond to your enquiries, and improve your experience. This includes data you choose to share and technical data collected automatically during your visit.

Information You Provide Directly

This includes personal data you voluntarily submit, such as when you use a contact form or leave a comment. Examples are:

  • Your name and email address.
  • The content of your message or comment, which may relate to queries about UK CPD events, problem gambling treatment resources, or clinical services.
  • Any other details you choose to provide in correspondence with us.

We use this information solely to respond to you, provide requested resources, or facilitate discussion on our editorial content.

Information Collected Automatically

When you browse our site, we automatically collect certain technical data for security and operational purposes. This may include:

  • Your IP address and browser type.
  • Pages you viewed and the time spent on them.
  • Referring website addresses.

This data helps us maintain site security, diagnose technical problems, and understand general user engagement.

How We Use Cookies and Tracking

Cookies are small data files placed on your device. We use them for essential site functions and, with your consent, to analyse site usage.

Essential Cookies

These are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to your actions, such as setting your privacy preferences or managing comments.

Analytics and Preference Cookies

With your explicit consent, we may use analytics cookies from services like Google Analytics. These help us understand how visitors engage with our content on topics like GMC CPD guidance or the latest developments at the National Problem Gambling Clinic. You can manage your cookie preferences via our cookie banner or your browser settings.

Our Use of Analytics and Third-Party Services

To improve our content and services, we utilise trusted third-party services under strict data processing agreements.

Website Analytics

We use Google Analytics to measure engagement with our editorial content, such as articles on UK problem gambling clinics or the NHS Northern Gambling Service. This data is aggregated and anonymised where possible, helping us see which resources are most valuable to healthcare professionals.

Embedded Content from Other Websites

Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos from YouTube, Vimeo, or infographics). This embedded content behaves as if you have visited the other website, which may collect data about you, use cookies, and be governed by its own privacy policy. We recommend you review the privacy policies of these third-party sites.

Your Data Rights Under UK GDPR

As a UK-based blog, we adhere to UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Under this legislation, you have significant rights regarding your personal data.

Key Rights You Hold

Your rights include:

  • The right to access the personal data we hold about you.
  • The right to request correction of inaccurate data.
  • The right to request deletion of your personal data.
  • The right to object to our processing of your data.
  • The right to data portability, where applicable.

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 7. We will respond within one month. We may need to verify your identity before proceeding.

How Long We Retain Your Data

We retain your data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

Comment Data

Comments and their metadata are retained indefinitely. This allows us to recognise and approve any follow-up comments automatically, fostering continued professional discussion.

Analytics Data

User-level and event-level data stored by Google Analytics is automatically set to be retained for 26 months, after which it is automatically deleted.

Correspondence Data

Contact form submissions and email correspondence are kept for a maximum of 24 months for record-keeping and follow-up purposes, after which they are securely deleted.

How We Protect and Share Your Data

We take the security of your data seriously and have implemented measures to protect it.

Our Security Measures

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures, including encryption (SSL/HTTPS) and access controls, to prevent unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss of your data.

Limited Data Sharing

We do not and will not sell your personal data. Data may be processed by our trusted service providers, such as our UK-based hosting provider or our secure email service provider, under strict data processing agreements that comply with UK GDPR. We will only share data if required by law.

How to Contact Us About Your Privacy

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or your personal data, we encourage you to get in touch.

Contact Details

For all data protection enquiries, please contact our Data Protection Lead at [email protected]. You may also write to us at our UK editorial address, which is available upon request via the email above.

Supervisory Authority

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s independent regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). You can find more information at www.ico.org.uk.

We emphasise our commitment to transparency and robust data protection, which is core to our mission of providing trusted, authoritative information on UK healthcare, continuing professional development, and specialist topics such as gambling disorder treatment and GMC CPD guidance for addiction medicine.