Privacy Policy – The Peaceful Doula

www.thepeacefuldoula.co.uk

Last updated: 14 October 2025

1. Introduction

The Peaceful Doula (“we”, “us”, or “our”) values your privacy and understands how important your personal information is. We are committed to protecting your data and being transparent about how it is collected, used, and stored.

This policy explains how we handle your personal data when you visit our website or work with us directly, and outlines your rights under UK data protection law (UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018).

2. Who We Are (Data Controller)

Business name: The Peaceful Doula
Email: louise@thepeacefuldoula.co.uk
Telephone: 07973 496 092

If you have any questions about this policy or your personal data, please get in touch using the details above.

3. What This Policy Covers

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Use of our website (www.thepeacefuldoula.co.uk)

• Enquiries and bookings made directly with us

• Personal data shared in connection with our services

Our website may link to other websites. We cannot control how other sites handle data, so please review their privacy policies separately.

4. What Personal Data We Collect

Depending on your relationship with us, we may collect:

• Identity and contact data: Name, email address, phone number, postal address.

• Booking and service data: Appointment dates/times, preferences, relevant notes.

• Sensitive (special category) data: Details about pregnancy, birth, or family circumstances shared to enable appropriate support — handled with extra care and explicit consent.

• Transaction data: Payments made for services (processed securely through third-party providers; we do not store full card details).

• Technical and usage data: IP address, browser type, device type, site interactions, cookies.

• Marketing preferences: Your consent to receive updates or information from us.

5. How We Collect Data

We collect personal data when you:

• Complete a contact, enquiry, or booking form on our website

• Communicate with us via email, phone, text, or social media

• Purchase services or request resources

• Subscribe to updates or marketing communications

• Interact with our website (via cookies or analytics tools)

6. Lawful Bases for Processing

We only use your data when legally permitted to do so, including:

• Performance of a contract: Managing bookings and providing doula services.

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data use (e.g., health information or marketing).

• Legitimate interests: For essential business functions such as responding to enquiries, improving services, or safeguarding our website.

• Legal obligations: To comply with tax, accounting, or regulatory requirements.

For special category data, we rely on your explicit consent or other conditions permitted by law.

7. How We Use Your Data

Your data may be used to:

• Process enquiries, manage bookings, and deliver personalised doula support.

• Communicate with you about appointments, updates, and relevant resources.

• Provide evidence-based, compassionate care tailored to your needs.

• Manage accounting and record-keeping.

• Send marketing communications if you have opted in (you can opt out anytime).

• Improve website experience and security.

We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.

8. Sharing Your Data

We never sell personal data. We may share limited information with trusted third parties who help us operate our business (for example, web hosting, booking, or invoicing platforms).

All such partners are bound by strict confidentiality and data protection terms. Data may be shared if required by law or to protect your rights and our obligations.

If any data is transferred outside the UK, we will ensure it is adequately protected through UK-approved safeguards.

9. Data Security

We have appropriate security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or misuse of your personal data. Only those with a legitimate business need can access it. In the unlikely event of a breach, we will notify you and the ICO where required.

10. Data Retention

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

• Client records (non-health): Typically retained for up to 7 years after service completion.

• Sensitive (health-related) data: Retained only as long as needed to support you and in line with professional guidance (normally no more than 7 years).

• Marketing data: Retained until you withdraw consent or unsubscribe.

When no longer required, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

11. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and request a copy of your personal data

• Correct or update inaccurate information

• Request erasure of your data (in certain cases)

• Restrict or object to specific processing activities

• Withdraw consent where it has been given

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us directly.

12. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience. Essential cookies are used for functionality; optional analytics or marketing cookies are only used with your consent. You can manage your preferences through your browser settings or our cookie banner.

13. Children

Our services are intended for adults and expectant parents. If you believe a child has provided personal data without appropriate consent, please contact us immediately.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically to reflect changes in law or practice. The latest version will always be posted on this page with a revised “last updated” date.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:

Email: louise@thepeacefuldoula.co.uk
Telephone: 07973 049 6092

We aim to respond to all requests within one month.