Aquinas Life Coaching respects your privacy and is committed to handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect through the website and our services, how we use it, when we share it, how we protect it, and what rights you may have in relation to your personal information.
1. Responsible Party
For purposes of applicable data protection law, Aquinas Life Coaching is the responsible party for the personal information collected and processed in connection with the website and services. You may contact us using the details set out at the end of this Privacy Policy.
2. Personal Information We Collect
We may collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including your name, email address, telephone number, billing information, booking details, coaching goals, correspondence, and any information you choose to share through contact forms, enquiries, assessments, intake forms, or coaching sessions. We may also collect certain technical and usage information when you use the website, such as your IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referral source, and cookie-related data, depending on how the website is configured.
3. How We Use Personal Information
We may use personal information to respond to enquiries, schedule and deliver coaching services, process payments, keep records, communicate with you about bookings or services, improve the website and service experience, maintain security, comply with legal obligations, and, where permitted, send service-related updates or marketing communications. We will only process personal information where we have a lawful basis to do so, such as your consent, the performance of a contract, compliance with law, or our legitimate interests where those interests are not overridden by your rights.
4. Cookies and Website Analytics
The website may use cookies or similar technologies to support core site functionality, remember preferences, understand how visitors use the site, and improve performance. Some cookies may be placed by third-party services such as website analytics, embedded content, booking tools, payment processors, or social media integrations. Where consent is required for non-essential cookies or tracking technologies, we will seek that consent in an appropriate manner. You can also manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, although doing so may affect how certain parts of the website function.
5. Sharing of Personal Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share personal information with trusted third-party service providers who assist with website hosting, payment processing, scheduling, video conferencing, email delivery, cloud storage, analytics, professional advice, or business administration, but only where reasonably necessary for those purposes and subject to appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards. We may also disclose personal information where required by law, to protect rights or safety, or in connection with a business restructuring, merger, sale, or transfer of assets.
6. Cross-Border Transfers
Some of the service providers we use may store or process personal information outside South Africa. Where cross-border transfers take place, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information receives an adequate level of protection, including by using service providers with suitable safeguards and only transferring information where permitted by law.
7. Data Retention
We keep personal information only for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including to provide services, maintain records, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and comply with legal, tax, accounting, or regulatory requirements. When personal information is no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to delete, destroy, de-identify, or securely archive it as appropriate.
8. Security Safeguards
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Direct Marketing
Where we send direct marketing communications by electronic means, we will do so in accordance with applicable law. If you are an existing client, we may send you information about similar services where permitted, provided that you are given a clear opportunity to opt out. In other cases, we will seek your consent where required before sending marketing communications. You may opt out of marketing at any time by using the unsubscribe option in the communication or by contacting us directly.
10. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you, request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unnecessary information, object to certain processing, withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, and lodge a complaint with the relevant regulator. We may ask you to verify your identity before acting on a request, and some requests may be limited where we are legally entitled or required to retain information.
11. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not intended for children who are not legally able to provide valid consent on their own. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate authority or legal basis. If you believe that personal information relating to a child has been provided to us improperly, please contact us so that we can take appropriate steps.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version published on the website will apply from its stated effective date. Where required by law, we will take reasonable steps to notify you of material changes.
13. Contact and Complaints
If you have any questions, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how personal information is handled, please contact Aquinas Life Coaching at info@aquinas.co.za. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.