Who is responsible for your information?
Dr Margaret Collins provides coaching, professional development and learning services through MargaretCollins.com and Research Navigator and also delivers services through TrainingForU.com Ltd (trading as Training for Universities). Dr Margaret Collins is the controller for personal information handled by her sole-trader business. TrainingForU.com Ltd is the controller for the information it determines how to use in providing and administering its own contracted services. For privacy enquiries about any of these services, contact info@MargaretCollins.com .
What information do I collect?
This may include your name, contact and organisation details; enquiries; booking, billing and payment records; course registration and participation; correspondence; and professional goals and other information you choose to share in coaching. Websites may also collect basic technical and security information and store your cookie preferences. Occasionally, information shared in coaching may concern health or other sensitive circumstances. Please share only what is relevant to the work.
How and why is information used?
I use information to respond to enquiries, arrange and deliver coaching and development services, administer Research Navigator and other programmes, communicate about services, manage payments and accounts, keep appropriate business records and protect websites and systems. The relevant UK GDPR lawful bases include taking steps before a contract, performing a contract, legal obligations and legitimate interests in running and protecting the business. Consent is used where legally required, for example for certain direct marketing and optional website tracking. Where special-category information needs processing, an additional lawful condition and appropriate safeguards are required.
Coaching is confidential
Coaching conversations are confidential regardless of who funds them. Where a university or other organisation pays for coaching, I may share the administrative information needed to arrange, invoice and confirm participation, but not the content of coaching conversations or personal notes without your permission. Exceptions may apply where disclosure is required by law or reasonably necessary to address a serious risk of harm. Coaching topics may be discussed in professional supervision without identifying you.
AI-assisted work and Zoom notes
I use AI-assisted tools in my professional practice and business operations. These help me with administration, preparing resources, organising information and reflecting on coaching work.
I sometimes use AI tools to review coaching notes or explore professional situations discussed during coaching. Where practical, I remove names and identifying details and limit the information shared to what is needed for the purpose. I take appropriate steps to protect personal and confidential information.
I ask coaching clients whether they would like AI-generated Zoom meeting notes. These are optional and clients can decline without affecting their coaching.
I remain responsible for my professional judgement, the services I provide and the appropriate handling of client information. AI systems are not trained on my data.
Who else may handle information?
I use trusted external services for website hosting, course delivery and membership management, email and calendars, document storage, video calls, payments, security, cookie preferences and AI-assisted work. These may include WordPress and its hosting services, Simplero, Zoom, Google, Dropbox, OpenAI, payment processors and Complianz. Service providers receive information only insofar as needed for their functions. Some may process information outside the UK; where UK data protection rules require safeguards for international transfers, appropriate arrangements must be used. I do not sell personal information.
Marketing and website cookies
If you subscribe to newsletters or updates, you may unsubscribe at any time. Other marketing is sent only where permitted by law. MargaretCollins.com and Training for Universities websites use cookies and similar technologies for essential operation and, where enabled, optional functions. You can accept or deny optional cookies and view or change your preferences through Complianz on each site. The website-specific cookie information gives more detail. The previously installed Meta advertising pixel has been deactivated.
How long is information kept?
Detailed coaching notes and AI-generated session summaries are normally kept for up to three years after the last coaching session, subject to a justified need to retain them longer, such as an ongoing relationship, legal obligation or dispute. Basic client administration records and signed agreements are normally reviewed after six years. Accounting and tax records are retained for the applicable legal period, typically around six years depending on the record. Research Navigator account data is kept while needed for the service and then reviewed for deletion, subject to required financial records. Marketing details are kept until you unsubscribe or they are no longer needed. Information is securely deleted or anonymised when no longer required.
Your rights and how to contact me
You may have rights to access, correct or erase your personal information, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent where consent is used. Not all rights apply in every circumstance. Please contact info@MargaretCollins.com to ask a question or exercise a right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.
Changes
I review this notice as services, technology and legal requirements change.
The date above identifies this version.
