Personal information is information that may identify an individual. Examples include: name, address, phone number and email address.
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information that refers to information or an opinion about characteristics such as: racial origin, religious beliefs, trade union membership and criminal record.
We can only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for one or more of our functions or activities.
Some examples are: providing the buyer with information about other services that we offer that may be of interest to them, providing an accurate quote for our services, contacting customers to provide a testimonial or to complete a customer satisfaction survey or to analyse our customers’ needs with a view to improving the services we offer to them.
1. Collection of personal and sensitive information:
Ensure that personal information is collected only if it is necessary for the functions and/or activities of the company and that it is obtained directly from the individual concerned.
We can only collect sensitive information if a customer consents and it is necessary for the functions and/or activities of the company.
2. Notification of collection – what we need to inform an individual when we collect their personal information:
Before we collect personal information from a customer for the first time we need to let them know:
3. Anonymity and pseudonymity:
In certain circumstances, a buyer can request to remain anonymous or to use a pseudonym. This is more likely to be in the case where a potential buyer calls wanting an estimated price for a horse. This may be possible when providing general information, but in the case of providing a quote, we need to let the buyer know that we cannot guarantee it’s accuracy without relevant information.
4. Use of personal information:
We can only use a buyer’s personal information for the primary purpose it was collected unless there is a reasonable expectation for that information to be used for another purpose. For example, if personal information is collected to provide a quote, it would be reasonable to expect that it would also be used in providing the service that was quoted.
5. Disclosure of personal information:
We never disclose a buyer’s personal information unless we have the consent of the buyer. In establishing the identity of a customer or confirming their personal information, we need to ask them to provide the details – we do not give out their information for them to confirm.
6. Access to personal information:
A buyer can request access to the personal information we hold about them. Generally we are required to provide such information to them. The need to apply in writing or email:
7. Security of Customers’ personal information:
An organisation must take reasonable steps to protect personal information it holds from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure:
8. Complaints:
If a customer believes we have breached their privacy, they will need to lodge a formal complaint in writing or via email to: