Privacy Policy Last updated: September 2025 1. Who We Are The Aspiring Legal Network (ALN) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data securely and responsibly. Our website address is: https://aspiringlegalnetwork.co.uk. If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at info@aspiringlegalnetwork.co.uk 2. Information We Collect We may collect and process the following information when you interact with our website: Information you provide directly, such as when you create an account, register for events, or leave a comment (for example, your name and email address). Cookies and usage data, which help us improve your experience on the website. Uploaded content, such as images or documents you choose to share on our platform. If you leave a comment, an anonymised string (hash) created from your email address may be sent to the Gravatar service to check if you are using it. The Gravatar privacy policy is available at https://automattic.com/privacy/ 3. How We Use Your Data We process your personal data to: Provide and improve our services. Manage your account and support you as a community member. Communicate with you about events, opportunities, and updates where you have given consent. Comply with legal or regulatory obligations. 4. Legal Basis for Processing Data Under UK GDPR, we must have a lawful reason for processing your data. ALN relies on the following legal bases: Consent: For example, when you sign up to receive email updates. Contract: When we provide services you have requested, such as event registrations. Legal obligation: Where we are required to keep certain data by law. Legitimate interests: For example, improving our website and services, provided these interests do not override your privacy rights. 5. Cookies Cookies are small text files stored on your device to help our site function properly and improve your experience. Examples of how we use cookies: To remember your login details and preferences. To save form information so you do not need to re-enter it later. To monitor website performance and improve our services. You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features of the site may not work correctly without them. 6. Embedded Content From Other Websites Some content on our site, such as videos or articles, may come from third-party websites. These websites may collect data about you, use their own cookies, and track your interaction with their content, just as if you had visited their site directly. 7. Children’s Privacy Our services are primarily aimed at individuals aged 16 and over. If you are under 18, you should only use our website with the involvement of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such data, please contact us immediately. 8. How Long We Keep Your Data Comments: Retained indefinitely to allow automatic approval of follow-up comments. Registered user accounts: Data is stored until you delete your account or request removal. Event and application data: Kept only as long as necessary to manage participation and comply with legal obligations. 10. Who We Share Your Data With We do not sell or rent your data to third parties. However, we may share information in these limited circumstances: With trusted service providers who support our website and operations, such as spam detection services or if you decide to apply to one of our events. If legally required, for example to comply with a court order or government request. If you request a password reset, your IP address may be included in the reset email sent by our system. 11. International Data Transfers Some of our service providers may store or process data outside the UK. When this happens, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses, to protect your personal data in line with UK GDPR requirements. 12. Your Rights You have the following rights under UK data protection law: Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you. Correction: Ask us to update or correct inaccurate information. Erasure: Request deletion of your data where legally possible. Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests. Portability: Receive your data in a portable format. Withdraw consent: At any time, where processing is based on consent. To exercise these rights, please email info@aspiringlegalnetwork.co.uk . You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk . 13. Where Your Data Is Sent Visitor comments may be checked through automated spam detection services to keep our site secure. 14. Updates to This Policy We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, operations, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised date clearly stated. Agreement to this Privacy Policy By using, accessing, or registering on our website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the website.