1.

Purpose

This policy explains how we collect, use, and store personal data; how we protect personal data and ensure compliance with data protection laws; and your rights as a data subject and how to exercise them

2.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All clients, employees, contractors, suppliers, and website visitors
  • All personal data processed by EPD Engineering Solutions Limited, whether in electronic, paper, or other forms

3.

Definitions

  • Personal Data — Any information relating to an identifiable individual
  • Processing — Any action performed on personal data, including storage, sharing, and analysis
  • Data Controller — EPD Engineering Solutions Limited, responsible for deciding how personal data is used
  • Data Subject — Any individual whose data we process

4.

Our Data Protection Commitment

We adhere to the seven UK GDPR principles:

1

Lawfulness, fairness & transparency

2

Purpose limitation

3

Data minimisation

4

Accuracy

5

Storage limitation

6

Integrity & confidentiality

7

Accountability

5.

Types of Data We Collect

5.1 client & project data

  • Contact details, company information, and project specifications
  • Engineering reports, feasibility studies, CAD models, and FEA results

5.2 employee & contractor data

  • Payroll and HR records
  • Emergency contacts, qualifications, and training records

5.3 Supplier & Third-Party Partner Data

  • Contact details, contracts, and service agreements

5.4 Website Visitors

  • IP addresses, browsing activity, and cookie preferences (via analytics tools)

6.

How We Use Personal Data

We adhere to the seven UK GDPR principles:

purpose

examples

lawful basis

Delivering engineering services

Project management, analysis, reporting

Contract

Supplier & contractor management

Project management, analysis, reporting

Legitimate interest

HR & payroll processing

Employee records, pensions, payments

Legal obligation

Marketing & updates

Email communications, newsletters

Consent

Legal & compliance

Tax, invoicing, insurance, audits

Legal obligation

7.

Cookies & Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and monitor performance:

  • Necessary cookies — Enable core site functionality
  • Analytics cookies — Help us understand how the site is used (e.g., Google Analytics)

You can manage or disable cookies via your browser settings.

8.

Data Security

We implement strict technical and organisational measures to protect personal data:

  • Secure, encrypted cloud storage for engineering reports and client files
  • Access controls and strong password policies for internal systems
  • Multi-factor authentication where appropriate
  • Regular security audits and off-site data backups

9.

Sharing Personal Data

We only share personal data when necessary:

  • With trusted contractors and suppliers directly supporting your project
  • With professional advisors (e.g., accountants, insurers) when required
  • With regulatory authorities where legally obligated

All third parties must comply with strict data protection standards.

10.

International Data Transfers

Where personal data is transferred outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards, including:

  • UK-approved Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
  • Transfers to countries deemed adequate by the ICO

11.

Data Retention

We adhere to the seven UK GDPR principles:

Data Type

retention period

Client project files

7 years after completion

Engineering reports

7 years after completion

Employee HR records

6 years after employment

Supplier contracts

6 years after expiry

Marketing data

Until consent withdrawn

After these periods, data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

12.

Your Data Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request corrections to inaccurate data
  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Request data portability
  • Withdraw marketing consent at any time

To exercise these rights, email us at  matthew@epdengineeringsolutions.com.


13.

Your Data Rights

In the event of a suspected data breach, we will:

  1. Contain and investigate immediately
  2. Notify the Data Protection Lead
  3. Assess potential impact and risks
  4. Report to the ICO within 72 hours if required
  5. Inform affected individuals where necessary

14.

Third Party Platforms

We carefully select and review third-party platforms used to store or process data (e.g., Microsoft 365, Dropbox, cloud-based project systems) to ensure they comply with UK GDPR.

15.

Contact Information

data protection lead

EPD Engineering Solutions Limited

Phone:  +44 7554 592744

If you believe we’ve mishandled your data, you can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):  ico.org.uk

15.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, company operations, or data processing practices.