Effective Date: 28/03/2025
Last Updated: 28/03/2025
At Men’s Counselling Service (MCS), we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our services or interact with our website.
1. Who We Are
- MCS is a platform that connects individuals with qualified, registered counsellors. Our mission is to break the stigma around men seeking professional support. MCS operates as a directory service and does not provide counselling services directly.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at: [email protected]
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal data:
a. Information You Provide
When you contact a counsellor: Your name, email address, phone number, and any other information you choose to share when reaching out to a counsellor.
When registering as a counsellor: Professional credentials, qualifications, contact details, profile information, and payment information (for subscription management).
b. Automatically Collected Information
Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and usage data collected through cookies and similar technologies.
Location Data: General geographical information derived from your IP address to show counsellors in your area.
c. Third-Party Data
We may receive information about you from third-party platforms, such as social media platforms or advertising partners.
3. How We Use Your Information
MCS collects and uses your data for the following purposes:
To operate the MCS platform and connect you with counsellors.
To verify the credentials and qualifications of counsellors.
To manage and process counsellor subscriptions.
To improve our website and services through analytics and feedback.
To communicate updates, newsletters, or promotional content (only with your consent).
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
4. Sharing Your Information
We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following instances:
With counsellors: When you contact a counsellor through our platform, the information you provide will be shared with the counsellor.
With service providers: To support our operations, such as hosting, payment processing, or analytics.
For legal reasons: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or court orders.
With your consent: If you explicitly agree to share your information for other purposes.
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or to comply with legal obligations.
Client data: Deleted 30 days after communication with a counsellor unless otherwise required for legal or operational reasons.
Counsellor data: Retained for the duration of your subscription and archived for up to six years after the end of your subscription to meet tax and regulatory requirements.
6. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal or operational requirements.
Restriction: Limit the processing of your personal data.
Objection: Object to the processing of your personal data for marketing or other purposes.
Data Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
To exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected].
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience and improve our services. Cookies are small files stored on your device that allow us to recognise you and tailor our services to your preferences. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, some features of our website may not function properly without cookies.
8. Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to protect your data, including:
• Encryption of sensitive information (e.g., payment details).
• Secure servers and firewalls to prevent unauthorised access.
• Regular audits and training to ensure data protection compliance.
However, no system is completely secure. By using our services, you acknowledge that we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data.
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those websites, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
10. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on our website. The updated policy will include the “Last Updated” date at the top of the page.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us: [email protected]
By using the MCS platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Privacy Policy.