Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

AV’d IT is an online platform designed to connect audiovisual professionals (“Connectors”) with businesses and individuals looking for AV expertise (“Clients”). Our website is avd-it.co.uk.

For privacy questions or requests, email info@avd-it.co.uk.

2. Information we may collect

The information we collect depends on how you use AV’d IT and may include:

• account details such as your name, email address, telephone number and login information;
• professional profile information, including your role, skills, experience, qualifications, certifications, service area, availability and rates;
• verification information you choose to provide, such as certificate details or evidence of professional credentials;
• project information, enquiries and messages exchanged through the platform;
• billing, subscription and transaction records where paid services are introduced or used;
• technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, security logs and cookie choices; and
• information you send us when requesting support, reporting a problem or contacting us.

Please avoid uploading unnecessary sensitive information. Where a profile field is marked private, we do not intend to display it publicly.

3. How we use your information

We may use personal information to:

• create, manage and secure user accounts;
• build and display Connector profiles using the visibility choices provided;
• help Clients search for suitable Connectors by role, location, skills and availability;
• enable project enquiries and communication between users;
• review professional credentials and reduce false or misleading profiles;
• provide support and service messages;
• operate, improve, measure and protect the website;
• administer subscriptions, payments and business records; and
• meet legal, regulatory, tax and fraud-prevention obligations.

4. Our lawful bases

Under UK data protection law, we rely on one or more lawful bases depending on the purpose:

• Contract: where processing is needed to provide an account, profile, search, enquiry, subscription or related service you request.
• Legitimate interests: to operate and improve AV’d IT, keep the platform secure, prevent misuse, support users and promote relevant services, where those interests are not overridden by your rights.
• Consent: where you choose to receive optional marketing or accept non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time.
• Legal obligation: where we must retain or disclose information to comply with law, regulation, taxation or a valid legal request.

5. Profile visibility and communications

Information you choose to publish on a Connector profile may be visible to other users or visitors. Certain details, including private contact information, certificate numbers and precise location information, should remain restricted unless the relevant feature clearly states otherwise.

When a Client contacts a Connector, we may share the information needed to deliver that enquiry. Users are responsible for information they choose to include in messages and project briefs.

6. Who we may share information with

We may share information only where reasonably necessary with:

• other AV’d IT users when you publish a profile or choose to make contact;
• hosting, security, email, support, analytics, payment and other technology suppliers acting on our instructions;
• professional advisers such as accountants, insurers and legal advisers;
• regulators, courts, law-enforcement bodies or other authorities where required; and
• a buyer or successor if AV’d IT is reorganised, sold or transferred, subject to appropriate confidentiality protections.

We do not sell personal information.

7. Cookies and similar technology

We may use essential cookies to operate login, security and website functions. With your choice, we may also use non-essential cookies to understand website use and improve our services. Where a cookie banner is available, you can use it to accept, reject or change optional cookie choices.

Your browser may also allow you to block or delete cookies. Blocking essential cookies may prevent parts of the platform from working correctly.

8. How long we keep information

We keep personal information only for as long as needed for the purpose collected, including providing services, maintaining security and meeting legal, accounting or reporting requirements. Retention periods vary by record type.

When an account is closed, some information may remain for a limited period in backups, fraud-prevention records, transaction records or where we need it to establish, exercise or defend legal claims. We will delete or anonymise information when it is no longer required.

9. International data transfers

Some technology suppliers may process information outside the United Kingdom. Where this happens, we will use an appropriate UK transfer mechanism or another lawful safeguard required by data protection law.

10. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures intended to protect information from unauthorised access, loss, alteration or disclosure. No internet service is completely secure, so please use a strong, unique password and tell us promptly if you believe your account has been compromised.

11. Your data protection rights

Depending on the circumstances, you may have the right to ask us to:

• provide a copy of your personal information;
• correct inaccurate or incomplete information;
• delete your information;
• restrict or object to certain uses;
• provide information in a portable format; or
• stop processing based on consent after you withdraw it.

These rights are not absolute and may depend on our lawful basis and legal obligations. To make a request, email info@avd-it.co.uk. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint.

12. Children

AV’d IT is intended for professional and business use and is not directed at children. Users must be at least 18 years old to create an account or use marketplace features.

13. Other websites and policy updates

Our website may link to services operated by others. Their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.

We may update this policy when our services, suppliers or legal obligations change. The latest version will appear on this page with a revised date.

Contact AV’d IT

Questions, requests or concerns about personal information can be sent to info@avd-it.co.uk.