Privacy Policy

Last updated: [1st September 2025]

[SOCO Talent] (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a recruitment agency registered in the United Kingdom. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data, and outlines your rights under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

  1. Who We Are

[SOCO Talent]
Registered address: [460 Station Road, Solihull, B93 8HB]
Company registration number: [16535044]
ICO Registration Number: [ZB974076]

  1. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Candidates:
    • Contact details (name, email, phone, address)
    • CVs, cover letters, work history, education, skills
    • References and right-to-work documentation
    • Interview notes and assessment results
    • Special category data (e.g. health, diversity information) only where necessary and with your explicit consent
  • Clients & Prospective Clients:
    • Contact details (name, job title, company, email, phone)
    • Communications and contractual information
  • Website Users:
    • IP address, browser type, usage data (via cookies/analytics, see section 9)
  1. How We Collect Your Data

We may collect your data from:

  • Directly from you (via our website, job applications, email, phone, or in person)
  • Publicly available sources (LinkedIn, job boards, company websites)
  • Third parties (referees, background check providers)
  1. Lawful Bases for Processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

  • Contract: to provide recruitment services and fulfil contractual obligations
  • Legal obligation: to comply with employment, tax, and immigration laws
  • Legitimate interests: to match candidates with roles, build relationships, and grow our business (balanced against your rights)
  • Consent: where we rely on your agreement (e.g. holding special category data, sending marketing where consent is required)
  1. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:

  • Match candidates with suitable job opportunities
  • Communicate with you about applications, placements, or services
  • Carry out identity and right-to-work checks
  • Provide recruitment services to our clients
  • Improve our website, services, and candidate experience
  • Send you job alerts, newsletters, or marketing (where permitted)
  1. Data Sharing

We may share your data with:

  • Potential employers and clients (with your explicit prior agreement)
  • Service providers (IT, payroll, background checks, CRM systems)
  • Regulatory and law enforcement authorities (if legally required)

We do not sell your personal data.

  1. International Transfers

If we transfer your personal data outside the UK, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as UK adequacy decisions or standard contractual clauses.

  1. Data Retention

We keep your personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Candidate data: typically up to 2 years from last contact, unless you consent to us holding it longer
  • Client data: while actively engaged plus 6 years for legal/accounting purposes
  • Website data: as per cookie settings

We securely delete or anonymise data when no longer required.

  1. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data (Subject Access Request)
  • Rectify inaccurate data
  • Erase your data (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Restrict processing
  • Object to processing (including marketing)
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [sophie.cowan@socotalent.io].

  1. Security

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

  1. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we use your data, please contact us first.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
📧 www.ico.org.uk

  1. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last Updated” date.