This notice explains how personal information is handled when you visit mhmvr.co.uk or contact Dr Mike Howarth. It is written to meet the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR), as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
Who we are
The data controller is Dr Mike Howarth, an independent education media consultant trading as MHMVR ("we", "us"). You can contact us about anything in this notice at michael.howarth@mhmvr.co.uk.
What information we collect
When you contact us
The contact form on this website does not send or store anything. Pressing "Send" opens your own email application with your message prepared, and nothing is transmitted until you send it yourself. When you email us, we receive your name, email address, the content of your message and anything else you choose to include.
When you visit the website
Like all web servers, our hosting provider automatically records basic technical information in server logs, such as your IP address, browser type, the pages requested and the date and time. This is used only to keep the website secure and working.
Cookies and similar technologies
We store your cookie choice in your browser so we do not ask you again on every page. We only use optional analytics if you agree to it. See our Cookie Policy for details.
We do not knowingly collect special category data and we ask that you do not send it to us.
How we use your information and our lawful basis
- Replying to your enquiry - legitimate interests (responding to people who contact us), or steps taken at your request before entering into a contract, such as discussing consultancy or speaking work.
- Providing services you engage us for - performance of a contract.
- Keeping the website secure (server logs) - legitimate interests in operating a secure website.
- Analytics, if enabled - your consent, which you can withdraw at any time through "Cookie settings" in the footer.
- Keeping business records - legal obligation, for example tax records where you become a client.
We do not sell your information, use it for marketing without your permission, or make decisions about you by automated means.
Who we share it with
We only share information with service providers who help us run the website and our email, acting on our instructions:
- 20i Ltd - website hosting (UK-based provider).
- Our email service provider - to send and receive email.
- Analytics provider - only if analytics is enabled and you have consented. Our Cookie Policy names any provider in use.
We may also disclose information where required by law. If any provider transfers data outside the UK, we make sure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as UK adequacy regulations or the International Data Transfer Agreement.
How long we keep it
- Enquiries that do not lead to work: up to 2 years after our last contact, then deleted.
- Client records: up to 6 years after the work ends, to meet tax and legal requirements.
- Server logs: kept by our hosting provider for a short period in line with its own retention policy.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to:
- access the personal information we hold about you;
- have inaccurate information corrected;
- have your information erased;
- restrict or object to our use of your information, including where we rely on legitimate interests;
- data portability, where it applies;
- withdraw consent at any time, where we rely on consent.
To use any of these rights, email michael.howarth@mhmvr.co.uk. There is no charge in most cases and we will respond within one month.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your information, please contact us first so we can try to put it right. We will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or on 0303 123 1113.
Security
The website is served over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection and we take reasonable steps to protect the information we hold. No website or email system can be guaranteed completely secure, so please do not send highly sensitive information by email.
Children
This website is not aimed at children and we do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 13.
Changes to this notice
We may update this notice from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.