Privacy Policy

Surch Ltd (“Surch”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you access our website (www.surch.co.uk) and associated services (the “Services”).

We act as a Data Controller under the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK/EU General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). By registering or using our Services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Commitment to Privacy

We endeavour to ensure that the personal data you provide remains secure and is processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.
We will only collect and process personal information as necessary for providing and improving our Services, meeting our contractual obligations, complying with legal requirements, or where we have a legitimate interest to do so.

2. Information We Collect

For Jobseekers: contact details (name, email address, phone number, address), work history, education, skills, job preferences, location preferences, uploaded CV/profile.
For Recruiters: business contact details, company information, payment and billing details.
We may also automatically collect technical information such as IP address, device identifiers, browser type, and usage statistics.

3. Use of Personal Data

We use personal data to create/manage accounts, allow recruiters to view profiles (subject to privacy settings), send job alerts and career advice, process payments, improve services, monitor compliance, and comply with legal obligations. We may also use anonymised/aggregated data for reporting and insights.

4. Disclosure of Personal Data

Recruiter Access: Profiles (unless hidden) may be visible to Surch customers. We cannot guarantee their authenticity and are not liable for misuse.
Third-Party Partners: Data may be shared with trusted providers (marketing, analytics, hosting, payment).
International Transfers: Where partners are outside UK/EEA, safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses will apply.
Legal Compliance: Data may be disclosed to comply with law or protect rights/safety.

5. User Responsibilities

You must provide accurate, lawful, and up-to-date information. Do not upload special category data (race, religion, health, etc.) unless necessary. You are responsible for keeping login credentials secure.

6. Retention of Data

We retain data while your account is active or needed to provide Services. Inactive accounts may be deleted after 24 months. Some data may be retained longer where required by law or for legitimate purposes (e.g. disputes, enforcement).

7. Your Rights

You have GDPR rights: access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, portability, withdrawal of consent, and the right to complain to the ICO. You may exercise these rights via [email protected].

8. Marketing and Communications

You may opt-in to job alerts and marketing. You can opt-out anytime via dashboard or unsubscribe links. Essential service communications cannot be opted out of.

9. Cookies, IP Logging & Tracking

IP Logging: We collect IPs for admin, fraud prevention, analytics, compliance. Data is anonymised.
Cookies: We use cookies for personalisation, analytics, and ads. You can refuse cookies but some site functions may break.
Third-Party Advertising: We work with Google, LiveRamp, Criteo. You may opt-out via IAB, NAI, DAA platforms.
Analytics: We use Google Analytics and tracking pixels to assess traffic and marketing. Data is anonymised/aggregated.

10. Security

We use encryption, firewalls, access controls, and monitoring to protect personal data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Enforcement and Removal

Surch may remove or suspend any unlawful, misleading, or offensive profiles/content and may terminate accounts for misuse.

12. Account Closure

You can delete your account anytime via your dashboard. Your profile will be removed, but some data may remain as required by law.

13. Contact and Complaints

If you have questions, please contact us via our Contact Page. If unsatisfied, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office: https://ico.org.uk.