Privacy Policy
How expertsearch collects, uses and protects personal information when solicitors, barristers and medical experts across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use this website. We handle personal data in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
expertsearch is a directory that helps referring solicitors and barristers find suitable medical expert witnesses. We collect only the information we need to operate the directory, respond to enquiries and process applications from experts. We do not sell personal data.
1Who we are
This website is operated by expertsearch (“we”, “us”, “our”). We are the data controller responsible for the personal information described in this policy.
- Trading name
- expertsearch
- Company number
- 08599055
- Registered address
- Abacus Court, Bull Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 0HH
- Data protection contact
- privacy@medicalexpertchambers.co.uk
2Information we collect
We collect personal information in the following ways.
Information you give us
- Enquiry details. When a referring solicitor or barrister contacts an expert or submits an enquiry, we collect the name, firm or chambers, Email address, telePhone number and any case background you choose to include.
- Expert applications. When a medical practitioner applies to be listed, we collect professional details such as name, specialty, qualifications, registration body, regions covered across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, contact details and supporting documents.
- Correspondence. Records of messages, emails and notes when you contact us.
Information we collect automatically
- Technical data. IP address, browser type, device information and pages viewed, collected through cookies and similar technologies.
- Usage data. Information about how the directory is used, for example searches run and links followed, used to maintain and improve the service.
Our use of cookies is explained in our Cookie Policy.
3How we use information, and our lawful bases
Under the UK GDPR we must have a lawful basis for using personal data. We rely on the bases set out below.
- To operate the directory and pass on enquiries. Lawful basis: legitimate interests (running and maintaining a professional directory) and, where a contract is in place, performance of that contract.
- To process and assess applications from experts. Lawful basis: steps taken at the applicant’s request before entering into an agreement, and our legitimate interest in maintaining an accurate listing.
- To respond to your enquiries and provide support. Lawful basis: legitimate interests and, where relevant, consent.
- To send service messages or updates you have asked to receive. Lawful basis: consent, which you may withdraw at any time.
- To keep the site secure and prevent misuse. Lawful basis: legitimate interests.
- To comply with legal obligations. Lawful basis: legal obligation.
Where we rely on legitimate interests, we balance those interests against your rights and freedoms. You can ask us about that assessment using the contact details below.
5International transfers
We aim to keep personal data within the UK. Where a service provider stores or processes data outside the UK, we make sure an appropriate safeguard is in place, such as a UK adequacy decision or the International Data Transfer Agreement, so that your information receives an equivalent level of protection.
6How long we keep your information
We keep personal data only for as long as we need it for the purposes set out in this policy, then delete or anonymise it. The period depends on the type of data.
- Enquiries: retained for 24 months after the last contact, then deleted.
- Expert listings: kept while the listing is active and for 12 months afterwards.
- Records required by law: kept for the period the relevant law requires.
7Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the following rights, which you can exercise free of charge in most cases.
- The right to be informed about how your data is used.
- The right of access to a copy of your personal data.
- The right to rectification of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- The right to erasure in certain circumstances.
- The right to restrict processing in certain circumstances.
- The right to data portability.
- The right to object to processing based on legitimate interests, and to direct marketing.
- The right to withdraw consent where we rely on it.
To exercise any right, contact us using the details in section 12. We will respond within one month. We may ask you to confirm your identity before we act.
9Data security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including encryption in transit, access controls and restricted handling of enquiry data. No transmission over the internet is fully secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we work to protect your information and to respond promptly to any incident.
10Third-party links
The website may link to external sites, including the websites of listed experts. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to read their own privacy notices.
11Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of the page. Where changes are significant, we will take reasonable steps to bring them to your attention.
12Contact and complaints
For any question about this policy or to exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@medicalexpertchambers.co.uk or write to Abacus Court, Bull Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 0HH.
If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority, at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113. We would welcome the chance to address your concerns first.