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Privacy Policy

Last updated: [Insert Date]

Welcome to Essex Mums (the “Website”), operated at https://essexmums.com.

Essex Mums is a community platform celebrating parenting, family life, and local businesses across Essex. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website, contribute content, or engage with our listings, events, or awards.

By using our site, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

Data Controller: Essex Mums
Website: https://essexmums.com
Email: hello@essexmums.com
Location: Essex, United Kingdom

We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information when you interact with our site, including:

a. Information you provide directly

  • When you create an account, post a comment, submit a business listing, event, or nomination, we may collect:
    • Name
    • Email address
    • Contact details
    • Business information (for listings or awards)
    • Content you submit (e.g. posts, comments, event descriptions)

b. Information collected automatically

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device information and operating system
  • Usage data (pages visited, time on site, referral links)
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see our Cookie Policy)

c. Information from third parties

  • Social media logins (if used)
  • Publicly available business information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

  • Operate and improve our website and community features
  • Manage user accounts and authenticate logins
  • Publish and manage business listings and event submissions
  • Process nominations and entries for Essex Mums Awards
  • Send newsletters or updates (if you’ve subscribed)
  • Respond to your enquiries or feedback
  • Enforce our website terms and prevent misuse

We will only process your personal data when we have a lawful basis, such as:

  • Your consent
  • The performance of a contract
  • Compliance with a legal obligation
  • Our legitimate interests (e.g. improving site functionality and community engagement)

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share limited information with:

  • Service providers (e.g. web hosting, email, analytics, payment processors)
  • Business partners or award sponsors, where relevant and with your consent
  • Law enforcement or regulatory bodies, when required by law

All third parties are required to process your data securely and only for specified purposes.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our site uses cookies and similar tools to:

  • Enable essential website functionality
  • Analyse traffic and improve performance
  • Personalise content and ads (where applicable)

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.

6. Data Retention

We keep personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes it was collected, including:

  • Active accounts: until deleted or inactive for more than [X] years
  • Business listings and event posts: while published on the site
  • Newsletter subscribers: until you unsubscribe

After this, we securely delete or anonymise the information.

7. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

To exercise your rights, contact us at [Insert contact email].

8. How We Protect Your Information

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

  • SSL encryption on all data transmissions
  • Secure data storage and backups
  • Access controls for administrative accounts

However, please note that no online transmission is entirely secure, and you use the site at your own risk.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party sites (e.g. advertisers, event organisers, or social media). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites, so please review their privacy policies separately.

10. Children’s Privacy

Essex Mums is designed for parents and families. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe your child has provided information, please contact us to remove it.

11. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with the “Last updated” date.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:
Email: hello@essexmums.com