Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 June 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how I (Matt, a sole trader registered in the United Kingdom and referred to in this document as “I”, “me”, or “my”) collect, use, and protect the personal information you (“you” or “Participant”) provide when you access theContent Engineer website, Discord community, coaching calls, and any related services (collectively, the “Services”). Your privacy matters, and I am committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR”) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Data I Collect

• Account Information — Name, email address, and any details you submit when purchasing the programme.
• Payment Details — Processed securely by Stripe; I never store full card numbers.
• Content & Communications — Messages, video links, and files you share on the private Discord server or during mentoring calls.
• Usage Data — IP address, browser type, and pages visited (collected via privacy‑friendly analytics).
• Cookies — Small files stored on your device to remember preferences and improve site performance.

3. How & Why I Use Your Data

• To deliver the Services and honour our contract (e.g. scheduling calls, granting course access).
• To provide tailored feedback and track your progress.
• To process payments and issue invoices or refunds.
• To maintain the security and functionality of the website and community.
• To send administrative messages (service updates, policy changes, receipts).
• Marketing emails only with your explicit opt‑in consent; you may unsubscribe at any time.

4. Lawful Bases (UK GDPR)

I rely on the following lawful grounds:

• Contract — Processing necessary to provide the Services you purchase.
• Consent — Optional marketing emails or testimonials.
• Legitimate Interests — Improving the programme, preventing fraud, and protecting the community.
• Legal Obligation — Keeping records required by tax or consumer‑protection laws.

5. Sharing Your Data

I never sell your personal data. I share it only with trusted providers who help me run the business:

• Stripe — Payment processing.
• Discord — Community hosting.
• Ghost / Vercel / Analytics — Website hosting and usage tracking.
• Professional advisers (e.g. accountant, legal counsel) under confidentiality duties.

6. International Transfers

Some partners (e.g. Stripe, Discord) store data on servers outside the UK. Where this occurs, transfers are protected by Standard Contractual Clauses or other safeguards recognised by the UK GDPR.

7. Data Retention

I keep your data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes in this policy:

• Account and course data — for the lifetime of your Content Engineer access plus 6 years (tax record requirement).
• Payment records — 7 years (HMRC compliance).
• Marketing consent records — until you withdraw consent.
• Analytics data — 24 months, stored in aggregate form.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data I hold about you.
• Ask for corrections or deletion (“right to be forgotten”).
• Object to processing or request restrictions.
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format.
• Withdraw consent at any time (for marketing or testimonials).
• Lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

9. Cookies

The website uses essential cookies for security and session management plus minimal analytics cookies. A banner lets you accept or decline non‑essential cookies on your first visit.

10. Children

The Services are not directed at children under 18, and I do not knowingly collect data from them. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal data, please email me to have it removed.

11. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be announced via email or inside the community. The “Effective Date” at the top reflects the latest version.

12. Contact

To exercise your rights or ask questions about this policy, emailmatt@oddell.com.