The Association of Property Lenders (the "APL") is committed to protecting your privacy in the manner which you expect and in accordance with the law. This privacy notice explains what information we collect about users of www.the-apl.com (the "Website") (both members and non-members) and anyone registering for APL-run events, how we will use it, each in compliance with relevant data protection legislation, and finally your rights in relation to this data. Please note that the Website may contain links to other websites which are outside our control and which are not covered by this notice. Operators of such websites may collect information from you which may be used in a manner inconsistent with this privacy notice.
The Information We Collect
When you register to use the Website we need to know your name and email address and certain other details in connection with your recent employment. Specifically for members we require basic details of your recent employment in the UK's real estate lending community comprising the name of the company and contact details, time employed and role, and a referee's email address. We also request details of your other personal interests to ensure the APL can be operated with these interests in mind. For all users we ask for personal contact details as an additional means of contacting you. Each of the above-mentioned pieces of information users provide on initial registration and some of this information can be updated by you at any time through the APL website. For other ways in which you can verify the information we hold, please see further below.
How We May Use Such Information
We gather information to allow us to operate the features of the Website, including email updates on events organised and sponsored by the APL, to personalise your use of the Website, to enable us to contact you in the event of queries, for security reasons, and to renew active memberships. We may also use the information to communicate with you on any matter relating to the provision of the APL's service in general.
On occasions we carry out surveys or other promotional activities which may be for our own benefit or for more general interest. Participation in any survey is entirely optional and submissions are anonymous unless otherwise stated and your express consent to use of your information sought.
We will store any information you provide in accordance with this notice and may distribute it to third parties in connection with any events that we run specifically for that legitimate purpose. Storage of your information relies upon use of the following service providers: Microsoft Azure, Global Iris, Beacon IT.
We may analyse user data to decide which users to include in any promotional campaigns we may run. We may also use aggregate information and statistics for the purposes of monitoring Website usage in order to help us develop the Website and our service and may provide such aggregate information to third parties.
We may check some of the information that you provide to us against third party databases to confirm that it is accurate. We may use this information to enable you to access the features of the Website and to configure the Website to provide you with the most useful information. The Website uses "cookies" (small pieces of information stored on your computer's hard drive by your browser) which enable us to personalise your use of the Website (for example by automatically filling in your password). Most browsers allow users to turn off the cookie function - this will not prevent you from using most features of the Website.
We may provide your information to our customer service agencies for research and analysis purposes so that we can monitor and improve the services we provide. We or our agents and sub-contractors may occasionally contact you including by post, email or telephone to ask you for your feedback and comments on our services. We may disclose any details as required by law or court order or in response to reasonable enquiries from law enforcement agencies.
We will only ever use the personal information which you provide for the purposes referred to in this notice.
Marketing
We (and any group companies) may also wish to provide you with information about special features of the Website or any special service or products which we think may be of interest to you. We agree not to rent or sell your personal information, other than as part of a sale of the whole or a substantial part of the assets of the APL, without ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place to protect your privacy (unless required to do so by law).
Your Consent
We require your express consent to the use of your personal information which you provide to us and to continue to contact you unless contacting you for legitimate interest as a member. If we change our privacy policy we will post the changes on this page, and may place notices on other pages of the Website, and contact you for consent so that you may be aware of the information we collect and how we use it as updated. We will also seek your express consent if the way we propose using your information is updated.
Because the internet infrastructure is global, the information you provide may be transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area ("EEA") that do not have similar data protection legislation during use as set out in this policy (for example, we may host the Website on servers located outside the EEA). However, we have taken the steps outlined above to try to improve the security of your information. Should we wish to transfer data for processing to a country outside the EEA we will ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to protect your privacy and update you accordingly for your express consent at the time.
Updating Your Details
You have the right to access your personal data and require that we rectify any errors in the data that we hold, or request that we erase your personal data. Additionally, you are free to update certain information we hold at any time by logging in to the Website and updating your profile.
You can also require that we restrict the way we process your personal data, object to its processing or request a copy of your personal data for the purposes of transmitting it elsewhere. Where we have requested and obtained your consent to process particular information, you may withdraw consent at any time. For members, if we do not hold the data we need to administer your membership, we may not be able to give you any access to the services membership with the APL provides.
How to Contact The Association of Property Lenders
We welcome your views about our website and this privacy notice. If you would like to contact us with any queries or comments please send an e-mail to feedback@the-apl.com
You have a right of access to personal data that is held about you. To obtain a copy of such information, please send an email to feedback@the-apl.com.
You are also entitled to request the deletion of all personal data we hold and process. To request this, please send an email to feedback@the-apl.com.