Skip to content

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2018
Last Updated: 2026

Introduction

At Flying Fish UK Ltd, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, and share your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle personal information in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By using our services, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

What Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

  • Identity Data: Full name, job title, employer details
  • Contact Data: Address, phone number, email address
  • Training Data: Course enrolments, attendance records, certifications
  • Payment Data: Billing details and transaction history (processed securely)
  • Self-Assessment: If purchased Seafarers Tax Service, we collect your personal tax information (processed securley)
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and interactions with our website
  • Marketing Preferences: Preferences for receiving communications from us

How We Use Your Information

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • To deliver training courses and services
  • To process enrolments and issue certifications
  • To communicate course schedules, updates, and requirements
  • To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • To improve our services and customer experience
  • To send marketing communications (with your consent)

When We Share Your Information

We may share personal data with trusted third parties in the following circumstances:

  • Accrediting Bodies & Certification Providers – To process course completion and issue certificates
  • Employers & Sponsors – If your training is arranged or funded by your employer
  • Regulatory Authorities – Where required for compliance with UK law
  • Service Providers – Such as payment processors, IT support, and marketing agencies
  • Legal Obligations – If required by law or to protect our rights and safety

We never sell your personal data to third parties.

Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases:

  • Contractual Obligation – To fulfil training agreements
  • Legitimate Interest – To improve services and maintain records
  • Legal Compliance – To meet regulatory requirements
  • Consent – For marketing and optional communications

Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary:

  • Records of your STCW certificate details are held until your 70th birthday or five years from the date of issue (to comply with accreditation requirements)
  • Marketing data: Until consent is withdrawn

Your Rights

You have the following rights under UK GDPR:

  • Access – Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction – Update inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Erase – Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
  • Restriction – Limit how we process your data
  • Objection – Opt out of certain processing activities, such as marketing
  • Data Portability – Receive your data in a structured format

Data Security

We implement strict security measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encryption of sensitive data
  • Access control and authentication processes
  • Regular security audits and staff training

Marketing & Communication Preferences

We will only send marketing emails if you have given consent. You can opt-out at any time by:

  • Clicking the “Unsubscribe” link in emails
  • Contacting us at mail@flyingfishonline.com

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated via email or on our website.

Privacy Policy Section: Self-Assessment Tax Return Data

Collection and Use of Self-Assessment Tax Return Information

What Information We Collect

We collect personal and financial information from your self-assessment tax return, which may include:

Personal Details:

  • Full name and previous names
  • Date of birth
  • National Insurance number
  • UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference)
  • Contact details (address, phone, email)
  • Marital status and dependent information

Financial Information:

  • Employment income and benefits
  • Self-employment income and expenses
  • Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
  • Rental income and property details
  • Pension contributions and income
  • Tax reliefs and allowances claimed
  • Previous year tax liabilities and payments
  • Bank account details for refunds/payments

Supporting Documentation:

  • P60s, P45s, and employment records
  • Business accounts and receipts
  • Investment statements
  • Property rental records
  • Charitable donation receipts

Why We Collect This Information (Legal Basis)

We process your self-assessment tax return data under the following legal bases:

Contract Performance:

  • To prepare and submit your tax return as agreed in our service contract
  • To provide tax advice and compliance services
  • To calculate your tax liability accurately

Legal Obligation:

  • To comply with HMRC requirements and tax legislation
  • To maintain records as required by professional regulations
  • To meet anti-money laundering obligations

Legitimate Interests:

  • To improve our tax services and advice
  • To contact you about relevant tax updates and deadlines
  • For business administration and quality assurance

How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses:

  • Prepare and submit your self-assessment tax return to HMRC
  • Calculate tax liabilities, reliefs, and refunds
  • Provide tax planning advice and recommendations
  • Respond to HMRC enquiries on your behalf
  • Maintain accurate client records

Secondary Uses:

  • Send reminders about tax deadlines and obligations
  • Provide updates on relevant tax law changes
  • Offer additional services that may benefit you
  • Conduct quality reviews and training (anonymised data only)

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Authorised Third Parties:

  • HMRC: Direct submission of tax returns and correspondence
  • Professional Bodies: Where required for regulatory compliance
  • IT Service Providers: Secure cloud storage and software providers (under strict data processing agreements)
  • Legal/Professional Advisors: When seeking specialist advice on your behalf

We will NOT share your data with:

  • Marketing companies
  • Other clients or unauthorised third parties, without your explicit consent
  • Social media platforms
  • Any party without your explicit consent (except legal requirements)

Data Retention

Tax Return Records:

  • 6 years from the end of the relevant tax year (HMRC requirement)
  • Longer if required for ongoing HMRC investigations or disputes
  • Permanent retention may apply for certain complex tax matters

Supporting Documents:

  • 6 years minimum as per statutory requirements
  • Digital copies retained in secure systems
  • Physical documents returned or securely destroyed after digitisation

Your Rights Regarding Your Data

Access Rights:

  • Request copies of all personal data we hold
  • Understand how your data is being processed
  • Receive information in portable format

Correction Rights:

  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Update your personal or financial details
  • Amend records to reflect changed circumstances

Deletion Rights:

  • Request deletion after statutory retention periods expire
  • Limited during active tax investigations or disputes
  • Cannot delete data required for legal compliance

Objection Rights:

  • Object to processing for marketing purposes
  • Request restriction of certain data uses
  • Withdraw consent for non-essential processing

Data Security Measures

Technical Safeguards:

  • End-to-end encryption for all data transmission
  • Secure cloud storage with UK-based servers
  • Multi-factor authentication for system access
  • Regular security updates and monitoring

Organisational Measures:

  • Staff training on data protection and confidentiality
  • Access controls based on role requirements
  • Regular security audits and compliance reviews
  • Incident response procedures for data breaches

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any significant changes will be communicated via email or on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

Flying Fish UK Ltd
Email: mail@flyingfishonline.com
Phone: +44 01983 280641

Address: 124 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, P031 7AY