Privacy policy.

Privacy Policy

Last updated: [July, 2026]

This Privacy Policy explains how Understories: Reading and Writing Retreats ("we", "us" or "our") collects, uses and protects your personal data when you use our website, make a booking, or contact us.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in a transparent and secure way in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Who We Are

Understories: Reading and Writing Retreats
Contact Email: info@understoriesretreats.co.uk
Website: www.understoriesretreats.co.uk

What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

· Name

· Email address

· Telephone number

· Postal address (if required for booking or invoicing)

· Payment information (processed securely via third-party providers)

· Dietary requirements

· Medical or accessibility information relevant to participation

· Emergency contact details

· Booking and retreat preferences

· Communications you send to us

We only collect sensitive information where it is necessary for your safety and participation in a retreat.

How We Collect Your Data

We collect data when you:

· Make a booking or enquiry

· Fill in a contact or registration form

· Subscribe to our mailing list

· Communicate with us by email or phone

· Use our website

How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:

· Process and manage bookings

· Communicate with you about retreats and enquiries

· Provide safe and appropriate retreat experiences

· Meet dietary, accessibility and medical requirements

· Process payments and refunds

· Send important updates about your booking

· Improve our services and website

· Comply with legal obligations

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following lawful bases:

· Contract: to fulfil your booking and provide retreat services

· Legal obligation: for accounting, safety and regulatory requirements

· Legitimate interests: to manage and improve our services

· Consent: for marketing communications (where applicable)

You may withdraw consent for marketing at any time.

How We Store and Protect Your Data

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure.

Your data may be stored securely using trusted third-party providers (such as booking systems, payment processors or email services).

We only retain personal data for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this policy, or as required by law.

Sharing Your Data

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share your data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

· Payment processors

· Booking and event management systems

· Accommodation or venue providers (where relevant to your retreat)

· Professional service providers (e.g. accountants)

· Legal or regulatory authorities where required

All third parties are required to handle your data securely and in compliance with data protection law.

International Transfers

If we use third-party service providers outside the UK or EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

· Access the personal data we hold about you

· Request correction of inaccurate data

· Request deletion of your data (in certain circumstances)

· Object to or restrict processing

· Withdraw consent (where applicable)

· Request data portability

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

Marketing Communications

We may send you occasional updates about retreats, events or news if you have opted in to receive marketing communications.

You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies. For more information, please see our Cookie Policy.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Contact Us

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

Understories: Reading and Writing Retreats
Email: info@understoriesretreats.co.uk
Website: www.understoriesretreats.co.uk