1. Introduction
SkillForge Academy ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal
information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data
when you use our online learning platform and services.
We are the data controller for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect the following personal information when you use our services:
- Name and contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
- Account credentials (username, password)
- Professional information (job title, company, industry)
- Educational background and learning preferences
- Payment and billing information
- Communication preferences and marketing consent
2.2 Technical Information
We automatically collect technical information about your use of our platform:
- IP address and location data
- Device information (type, operating system, browser)
- Usage data (pages visited, time spent, course progress)
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
- Log files and error reports
2.3 Learning Data
To provide effective learning experiences, we collect:
- Course enrollment and completion data
- Assessment scores and learning progress
- Forum posts and discussion participation
- Feedback and survey responses
- Certification and achievement records
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Provision
We use your personal information to:
- Provide access to courses and learning materials
- Track your learning progress and issue certifications
- Process payments and manage your account
- Provide customer support and technical assistance
- Communicate about your courses and account
3.2 Service Improvement
We analyse usage data to:
- Improve course content and platform functionality
- Personalise your learning experience
- Develop new courses and features
- Conduct research and analytics
- Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
3.3 Marketing and Communications
With your consent, we may use your information to:
- Send newsletters and course recommendations
- Inform you about new courses and special offers
- Conduct market research and surveys
- Provide personalised marketing content
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contract Performance: To provide our educational services and fulfil our
contractual obligations
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our services, ensure security, and conduct
business operations
- Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
- Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third parties who provide services on our behalf:
- Cloud hosting and data storage providers
- Payment processing companies
- Email marketing and communication platforms
- Analytics and performance monitoring services
- Customer support and help desk providers
5.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or to:
- Comply with legal processes and court orders
- Protect our rights and property
- Ensure user safety and prevent harm
- Investigate suspected fraud or illegal activities
5.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the
new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services and maintain your account
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
- Improve our services and prevent fraud
Specific retention periods:
- Account Information: 7 years after account closure
- Course Progress: 10 years for certification purposes
- Payment Data: 6 years for tax and accounting purposes
- Marketing Data: Until consent is withdrawn
- Technical Logs: 12 months for security purposes
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
7.1 Types of Cookies
We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality
- Performance Cookies: Help us analyse platform usage and performance
- Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
- Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements
7.2 Cookie Management
You can manage your cookie preferences through:
- Our cookie consent banner when you first visit
- Your browser settings and preferences
- Third-party opt-out tools and websites
- Contacting us directly for assistance
8. Data Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Advanced firewall and intrusion detection systems
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Secure data centres with physical access controls
- Employee training on data protection and security
- Incident response procedures for data breaches
9. International Data Transfers
Your personal data may be processed in countries outside the UK. When we transfer data
internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:
- Adequacy decisions from the UK government
- Standard contractual clauses approved by regulators
- Binding corporate rules for multinational companies
- Certification schemes and codes of conduct
10. Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request copies of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
- Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Remove consent for marketing or cookies
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond
within one month of receiving your request.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect
personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal data
from a child under 16, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal
requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Sending email notifications to registered users
- Displaying prominent notices on our platform
- Requesting renewed consent where required