Who are we?

Powell & Company Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales and is a ‘controller’ under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Whose data do we hold?

We may hold data about the following people:

  • Employees
  • Clients
  • Suppliers and service providers
  • Advisers, consultants and other professional experts
  • Complainants
  • Enquirers

What data will we collect?

We will only collect information from you that is relevant to the matter that we are dealing with. In particular we may collect the following information from you which is defined as ‘personal data’:

  • Personal details
  • Family details
  • Lifestyle and social circumstances
  • Goods and services
  • Financial details
  • Business activities of the person whose details we are processing
  • Education and employment details

Special Categories

We may also collect information that is referred to as being in a ‘special category’. This could include:

  • Physical or mental health details
  • Racial or ethnic origin
  • Political opinions
  • Religious beliefs or other beliefs of a similar nature
  • Sexual life
  • Trade union membership
  • Criminal offences and alleged offences
  • Criminal proceedings, outcomes and sentences

Basis for processing

The basis on which we process your personal data is one or more of the following:

  • It is necessary for the performance of our contract with you.
  • It is necessary for us to comply with a legal obligation
  • It is in our legitimate interests to do so
  • You have given us your consent (this can be withdrawn at any time by advising our data protection officer, Dexter Bonner)

How will we use your data?

We may use your information for the following purposes:

  • To provide legal services including advising and acting on behalf of our clients.
  • Maintain our own accounts and records
  • Promote our services
  • Support and manage our employees.

Who will we share your information with?

Under our Code of Conduct there are very strict rules about who we can share your information with and this will normally be limited to other people who will assist with your matter. This may include:

  • Family, associates or representatives of the person whose personal data we are processing
  • Current, past or prospective employers
  • Educators and examining bodies
  • Healthcare professionals, social and welfare organisations
  • Business associates
  • Trade associations and professional bodies
  • Suppliers and service providers
  • Ombudsman and regulatory authorities
  • Employment and recruitment agencies
  • Complainants and enquirers
  • Financial organisations
  • Debt collection and tracing agencies
  • Credit reference agencies
  • Private investigators
  • Courts and tribunals
  • Central government

How long will we keep your information for?

  • We will normally keep your information throughout the period of time that we do work for you and afterwards for a period of six years as we are required to do by law and also by the regulations that apply to us.
  • In some cases we may retain your information for a longer period and we will advise you of this at the time

Transfers to third countries

It may sometimes be necessary to transfer personal information overseas. When this is needed information is only shared within the European Economic Area (EEA). Any transfers made will be in full compliance with all aspects of the data protection act.

Security Arrangements

  • We shall ensure that all the information that you provide to us is kept secure using appropriate technical and organisational measures
  • We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (Reg. No. 623507) and are Lexcel accredited.
  • In the event of a personal data breach we have in place procedures to ensure that the effects of such a breach are minimised and shall liaise with the ICO and with you as appropriate.
  • More information is available from Dexter Bonner

What rights do you have?

You have the following rights under the GDPR:

  • Right to be informed
  • Right to access
  • Right to rectification
  • Right to erasure
  • Right to restriction of processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object
  • Rights concerning automated decision-making and profiling

Right of access

  • You have a right to see the information we hold about you
  • To access this you need to provide a request in writing to Dexter Bonner, together with proof of identity
  • We will usually process your request free of charge and within 30 days however we reserve the right to charge a reasonable administration fee and to extend the period of time by a further two months if the request is manifestly unfounded or vexatious and/or is very complex

Right to erasure

  • You have a right to ask us to erase your personal data in certain cases (details may be found in Article 17 of the GDPR)
  • We will deal with your request free of charge and within 30 days but reserve the right to refuse to erase information that we are required to retain by law or regulation, or that is required to exercise or defend legal claims
  • To exercise your right to erasure please contact Dexter Bonner

Who can you complain to?

  • If you are unhappy about how we are using your information or how we have responded to your request then initially you should contact Dexter Bonner
  • If your complain remains unresolved then you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office, details available at www.ico.org.uk