Privacy Policy


Introduction


This privacy policy governs the privacy of the website https://scottishmentoringnetwork.co.uk and explains how we comply with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), DPA (Data Protection Act) and PECR (Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations).


Scottish Mentoring Network is a company limited by guarantee (No. 282564) and a registered charity (SC037677), located at Edward House, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EX.


Information We Collect


We collect three types of information:

  • Query Information: Contact form submissions, messages, and mailing list subscriptions
  • Cookie Information: Data collected through website cookies (see Cookies and Analytics sections below)
  • Account Information: Data relating to your use of our services

Cookies


Cookies are small files saved to your device that track, save and store information about your interactions and usage of the website. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. You can control cookie settings through your browser or via our cookie consent banner.


Cookie Consent


When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie banner asking for your consent to place analytics cookies. You can choose to accept or decline. Analytics cookies are only placed on your device if you provide consent. You can withdraw your consent at any time by clearing your browser cookies, after which you will be asked for consent again on your next visit.


Essential Cookies


Essential cookies are necessary for the website to function correctly. These do not require consent.


Analytics Cookies


We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. These cookies are only set after you have given consent via our cookie banner. The analytics cookies we use are:


| Cookie | Purpose | Expiry |

|--------|---------|--------|

| `_ga` | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish unique users | 2 years |

| `_ga_G-7YKTK4RMNE` | Used by Google Analytics to maintain session state | 2 years |



Analytics


We use Google Analytics (GA4), a web analytics service provided by Google LLC, to help us understand how visitors use our website. Google Analytics collects anonymised data including:


- Pages visited and time spent on each page

- How you arrived at our website (e.g. search engine, direct link)

- Session duration and bounce rate

- General device, browser and operating system information

- Approximate geographic location (country/city level)


IP addresses are anonymised by default in GA4 and are not stored by Google. No personally identifiable information is collected through Google Analytics.


Google may transfer and store this data on servers outside the EEA. Google is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. For more information on how Google processes data, see [How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps](https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites) and [Google's Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy).


Uses of Information


  • Query data is used to address your comments and requests
  • Cookie and analytics data is used in accordance with this policy to improve our website and understand how it is used
  • Account data is used to verify compliance with our services

Processing Basis


  • Query use: User consent provided when submitting a request
  • Cookie and analytics use: Consent, obtained via our cookie banner
  • Account use: Contractual obligations

Information Sharing


We may disclose your information where required to do so for:


  • Legal compliance requirements
  • Fraud and crime prevention
  • Third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and services (including Google LLC for analytics), subject to appropriate data protection safeguards

Contact and Communication


Any information you provide to us is done so at your own discretion. Your personal data will remain private and secure until it is no longer needed or has no use.


Email Marketing


We operate an email mailing list using MailChimp. You can subscribe and unsubscribe at any time. Marketing messages may contain tracking beacons to monitor engagement and demographics.


External Links


Our website includes links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or content of such sites. You click external links at your own risk.


Shortened URLs


Please verify the authenticity of any shortened URLs before proceeding.


Social Media Policy


We maintain official profiles on social media platforms. We will never request passwords or personal details via social media. Social sharing buttons on our website may publish content to your social media profiles.


Security


We implement security measures such as two-factor authentication, encryption and authentication to protect your data. However, complete security cannot be guaranteed.


Data Storage


Your information is stored on secure servers based in the UK. Data may be transferred to third parties or locations outside the EEA, with appropriate Data Protection Legislation protections maintained.


Data Retention


We store your information only as long as necessary, with regular audits to prevent excessive data retention.


Your Rights


Under data protection law, you have the following rights:

  • Access to the information we hold about you
  • Correction of inaccurate information
  • Erasure of your data ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restriction of processing
  • Data portability
  • Objection to direct marketing
  • Withdrawal of consent at any time
  • Lodging a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@scottishmentoringnetwork.co.uk.


Policy Updates

Last updated: 24.04.2026