Private policy

This is the privacy notice of Chess Life Centre, operating via the website https://chesslife.co.uk.

Introduction

This notice sets out how I collect, store, use and share your personal information in connection with chess tutoring and related services. It applies to all personal data I process as part of our relationship. “Process” means collect, record, use, store, disclose or erase information.
If you do not agree with any part of this notice, please stop using the website and services.
I take your privacy seriously and commit to protecting your personal data in line with the UK Data Protection Act 2018, the UK GDPR, and other applicable laws.

Legal bases for processing your data

I process your data when one of the following legal bases applies:

Contractual obligation
When you book a lesson, purchase a service, or otherwise enter into a contract with me, I must process your data to fulfil our agreement. This may include your name, contact details, payment information (only what is necessary), lesson records and communications.
Consent
In cases where we do not yet have a contract but you voluntarily provide information (e.g., newsletter signup, contact form), I rely on your consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time by emailing me at mihails.lahmans@gmail.com. Withdrawal will not affect processing already carried out.
Legitimate interests
I may process data where necessary for my legitimate business interests (e.g., internal administration, responding to your enquiries, professional advice, fraud prevention). I ensure this is balanced and does not override your rights and freedoms.
Legal obligation
I may be required by law to process your data (e.g., giving information to regulatory or judicial authorities).

Specific uses of your information

Booking and provision of services: I use your data to schedule, conduct and follow up on tutoring sessions.
Payment processing: Payment is handled via secure third-party providers (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) and I do not store full payment card data. If payment is made by bank transfer, I may retain basic information (e.g., last four digits) to identify transactions.
Customer support and communications: When you contact me (via email, phone or website), I store your name, contact details and message content to respond effectively.
Feedback and testimonials: If you provide feedback or a review, I may publish it (with your consent). Once published, it enters the public domain and I cannot control third-party usage of it.
Marketing and cookies: With your consent, I may use cookies and remarketing to tailor website content and adverts. You may disable cookies in your browser, although this may affect site functionality.

Refunds, chargebacks & service-provision protection

I aim to deliver the tutoring services you purchase. If you pay in advance and I fail to provide the service due to reasons within my control, I will offer a pro-rated refund or extension of services.
However, if you access the service, receive value (i.e., attend sessions) and it is due to your non-attendance or disengagement, no automatic refund is guaranteed.
To protect fair business practice and mitigate unilateral chargeback claims, I reserve the right to refuse refund requests that are unreasonable, abusive or without proper justification.
Payment terms: Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the standard hourly rate is £25-£75 (Depends on course and service).
Any discount offered (e.g., block bookings) is conditional on timely payment and continued participation. I may require payment in advance for blocks of sessions, with services scheduled accordingly.

Data sharing & disclosures

I will not share or sell your personal data to third parties except as stated (e.g., for payment processing).
Website advertising may involve third-party trackers which I do not fully control.
I may share data with credit-reference or fraud-prevention agencies if I consider it necessary (for example, if a payment is disputed without a valid reason).
My website is hosted in Scotland and I do not outsource hosting or data processing to countries outside the UK/EU without adequate safeguards.

Cookies & automated processing

I use session cookies for website functionality and tracking usage for improvement.
On first visit, you will be asked to consent to cookies. If you refuse, site features may be limited.
For remarketing or behavioral advertising, explicit consent will be obtained.

Data retention

I retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:

to provide the services you requested;
to comply with legal and tax obligations;
to protect or defend my legal rights.

Your rights

Under the UK GDPR you have the right to:

access your personal data;
rectify inaccurate data;
erase data (“right to be forgotten”) in certain circumstances;
restrict processing;
object to processing;
data portability (in applicable cases);
withdraw consent (when consent is the basis).
If you have concerns about how I process your data, you have the right to complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/.

Children

My services are not marketed to or targeted at children under 16. If the client is under 16, parental or guardian consent is required for registration and processing of data.

Security of data

I employ industry-standard security measures such as SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Your data is stored securely and I limit access to authorised persons only.

Changes to this policy

I may update this privacy notice from time to time (for example, as a result of changes in law or business). The version published on my website at the time you access it is the one that applies. I recommend you download or print a copy for your records.

Policy updated 10.11. 2025