Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Mindful Coaching Services

At Mindful Coaching Services, I am committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how I, as the data controller, collect, use, and safeguard your personal data in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). This policy applies to data collected via my website, hosted by IONOS, for online coaching, mindfulness, and counselling services.

1. Data Controller

Identity: Mindful Coaching Services, operated by Mark Ashton, is the data controller responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing your personal data.
Contact: For any questions or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact me at mark.ashton@mindfulcoachingservices.uk.

2. Data I Collect

Personal Data: Name, email address, phone number (if provided), and inquiry details submitted via contact forms, booking systems, or email.
Website Usage: Anonymised data (e.g., IP addresses, browser type) collected by IONOS for security and performance purposes.
Cookies: My website may use cookies for analytics or functionality. A cookie banner will request your consent where required.

3. Purpose and Lawful Basis

I process your data for the following purposes:

Responding to Inquiries: To answer questions or arrange coaching/counselling sessions (Lawful basis: Legitimate interest or consent).
Service Delivery: To provide online coaching, mindfulness, or counselling sessions (Lawful basis: Contract or consent).
Marketing: To send updates about my services, only with your explicit consent (Lawful basis: Consent).
Website Improvement: Anonymised analytics to enhance user experience (Lawful basis: Legitimate interest).

4. Data Sharing

Your data is not shared with third parties except:

IONOS: As my hosting provider, they process data for technical purposes (e.g., server security). They act as a data processor under my instructions.
Legal Obligations: If required by law or to protect my rights.

I do not sell or share your data for marketing by others.

5. Data Retention

Personal data (e.g., contact details) is kept only as long as necessary for the purpose (e.g., until your inquiry is resolved or sessions are completed).
Anonymised data may be retained longer for analytics.

6. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

Access, rectify, or erase your personal data.
Restrict or object to processing.
Data portability.
Withdraw consent (where applicable).
Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk. To exercise these rights, contact me at mark.ashton@mindfulcoachingservices.uk.

7. Security

I use IONOS-provided SSL encryption to protect data transmission.
Access to your data is restricted to me and securely stored.

8. Cookies and Tracking

My website may use cookies for functionality or analytics. You can manage preferences via the cookie banner or browser settings.

9. Updates to This Policy

I may update this policy to reflect changes in law or services. Check this page for the latest version.

Last Updated: 6 October 2025

For any questions or to exercise your data protection rights, please contact me at mark.ashton@mindfulcoachingservices.uk