Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Smith Watson Accountants, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our clients' personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and store personal data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant data protection laws.

2. Data Collection

We collect personal data from clients for the purposes of providing accounting services and complying with legal obligations. This may include but is not limited to:

·         Names

·         Contact information (email addresses, phone numbers, addresses)

·         Financial information

·         Identification documents (e.g., passports, driver's licenses)

3. Data Usage

We use personal data solely for the following purposes:

·         Providing accounting services to clients

·         Managing client accounts

·         Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

·         Communicating with clients about our services and updates

·         Improving our services

4. Data Disclosure

We do not disclose personal data to third parties unless necessary for the provision of services or required by law. In such cases, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal data.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. When personal data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it.

7. Rights of Data Subjects

Clients have the following rights regarding their personal data: 

·         Right to access: Clients can request access to their personal data and information about how it is processed.

·         Right to rectification: Clients can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

·         Right to erasure: Clients can request deletion of their personal data under certain circumstances.

·         Right to restrict processing: Clients can request restriction of processing of their personal data under certain circumstances.

·         Right to data portability: Clients can request a copy of their personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.

·         Right to object: Clients can object to the processing of their personal data under certain circumstances.

8. Complaints

If you have any concerns or complaints about our handling of your personal data, please contact us using the details provided below. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate promptly and fairly.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this GDPR policy or our data protection practices, please contact us at:

Smith Watson Accountants

1619 London Road

Leigh on Sea

Essex

SS9 2Sq

info@smithwatson.co.uk

10. Changes to this Policy

We reserve the right to update this GDPR policy periodically to reflect changes in legal or regulatory requirements or our data protection practices. Any updates will be posted on our website, and we encourage you to review this policy regularly.