Last Updated: 15th October 2025

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Your privacy is important to CMS Institute (Creative Media Skills Group Ltd) (“we”, “our”, or “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, register for our services, or otherwise interact with us. We are committed to complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the EU GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018. By using our website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

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1. Who We Are

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CMS Institute (Creative Media Skills Group Ltd)
Registered Office: Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road,
Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH, United Kingdom
Company Registration Number: [Insert Number]
Email: info@creative-media-skills.com
Tel: 01753 656168

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We act as the Data Controller for the personal data we collect. If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at the above address or by email.

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2. Information We Collect

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

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• Contact details: name, email address, postal address, telephone number.

• Account and registration data: login credentials, course enrolment details.

• Payment information: billing address and payment transaction data (processed securely via our payment provider – we do not store full card details).

• Usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and session information collected through cookies or analytics tools.

• Communications: any messages, feedback, or enquiries you send to us.

• Marketing preferences: your choices about how we communicate with you.

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We only collect the minimum data necessary and ensure it is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

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3. How We Use Your Data

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We process your personal data to:

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• Administer and manage your account and website access.

• Deliver and personalise our courses and services.

• Process payments and issue invoices or receipts.

• Communicate with you regarding bookings, updates, and support.

• Send you marketing information (where you have consented).

• Improve our website, services, and user experience.

• Comply with legal obligations and respond to lawful requests.

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Legal Bases for Processing - We process your personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

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• Consent (for marketing and cookies).

• Contract (to provide services you have purchased or requested).

• Legal obligation (to comply with tax or business laws).

• Legitimate interests (to operate and improve our business).

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4. Marketing Communications

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We may send you news, updates, or special offers about CMS Institute courses and events if you have opted in.
You can withdraw consent or unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

We will never sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for their own marketing.

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5. Sharing Your Data

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We may share your information with:

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• Trusted service providers (e.g. website hosting, payment processors, IT and marketing support) under strict data protection agreements.

• Professional advisers such as accountants or legal counsel.

• Regulatory or law enforcement authorities where required by law.

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All third-party partners are required to handle your information securely and only for specified, lawful purposes.

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6. International Data Transfers

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Your data may be stored or processed outside the UK or EEA (e.g. by trusted cloud service providers). Where transfers occur, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

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• The destination country has an adequacy decision from the UK or EU; or

• We have Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the UK or EU authorities.

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7. Data Retention

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We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, including to meet legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

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8. Data Security

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We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your data, including:

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• Encrypted servers and SSL-secured communications.

• Restricted staff access and regular security reviews.

• Secure password and authentication practices.

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While we strive for full security, please note that transmitting information online can never be 100% secure.
Where you are provided with a password, you are responsible for keeping it confidential.

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9. Your Data Protection Rights

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Under the UK and EU GDPR, you have the right to:

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• Access – Request a copy of your personal data.

• Rectification – Request corrections to inaccurate data.

• Erasure – Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”).

• Restriction – Request limits on data processing.

• Portability – Request your data in a portable format.

• Objection – Object to data processing (e.g. direct marketing).

• Withdraw consent – Withdraw your consent at any time.

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To exercise your rights, please contact info@creative-media-skills.com. We will respond within one month of receiving your request. If you are not satisfied with how your data has been handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk.

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10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

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Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyse traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognise you and remember your preferences.

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Types of Cookies We Use:

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• Essential cookies – necessary for website functionality (e.g. login, checkout).

• Performance cookies – help us understand website usage and improve usability.

• Functional cookies – remember your preferences and custom settings.

• Marketing cookies – used (with consent) to show relevant advertisements.

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Your Cookie Choices:

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When you first visit our website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to:

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• Accept all cookies,

• Reject non-essential cookies, or

• Manage your cookie preferences.

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You can change your cookie preferences at any time via your browser settings or our cookie control tool.

For more information, see our full Cookie Policy.

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11. Links to Other Websites

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Our website may include links to other sites operated by third parties. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to review their privacy notices before submitting personal information.

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12. Changes to This Policy

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We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website, and the “Last Updated” date will reflect the most recent revision. Please check this page occasionally to stay informed about any updates.

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13. Contact Us

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For any questions, concerns, or data protection requests, please contact:

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CMS Institute (Creative Media Skills Group Ltd)
Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road,
Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH, United Kingdom
Email: info@creative-media-skills.com
Tel: 01753 656168

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© CMS Institute / Creative Media Skills Group Ltd. All rights reserved.

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