Privacy Policy

We comply with the latest data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please note that we may amend this Privacy Notice from time to time and will post any changes here.

About Us

Vantage Consulting is a specialist recruitment business providing work-finding services to employers and job seekers. In providing these services, we process personal data (including some sensitive personal data at times), and in doing so, we act as a data controller.

Who to Contact Regarding Your Personal Data

Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding your data privacy rights. Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for overseeing data protection matters and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this privacy notice and how Vantage Consulting uses your data.

You can contact our Data Protection Officer by using our Contact Form or by writing to:
Vantage Consulting, Unit B, Dyson Ct, Gillette Cl, Staffordshire Technology Park, Stafford ST18 0LQ

How We Collect and Process Personal Data

You may provide personal details directly, such as on an application or registration form, via our website, or we may collect them from another source such as a job board. Vantage Consulting will only process your personal data where there is a lawful basis to do so, which may include:

• Performance of a contract – when processing your data is necessary for an agreement we have with you.

• Compliance with a legal obligation – when we are legally required to process your data.

• Legitimate interests – where we have a valid business interest and your rights do not override this.

• Consent – where you have explicitly given us permission.

• Vital interests – where processing is necessary to protect someone’s life.

We only collect the minimal personal data necessary to provide our recruitment services, and we take steps to ensure this data is accurate, up to date, and not retained for longer than necessary.

If You Are a Candidate

Vantage Consulting processes candidate and prospective candidate data to connect the best candidates with the best jobs. We keep your data while we have meaningful contact with you, which includes written and verbal communication or interactions with our marketing communications.

• If there has been no meaningful contact for five years, we will securely delete your information unless required to retain it by law or for dispute resolution.

• Where we have a contract with you (e.g., if you are a contractor), we must retain certain records for six years for tax purposes.

The Main Ways We Process Your Personal Data

• If you apply for a vacancy through our website, email, phone, or a job board.

• If a third party refers you to us (e.g., a colleague). We will always inform you and provide an option to object.

• If we have identified you as a potential candidate via publicly available sources (e.g., LinkedIn, job boards).

The Personal Data We Collect and Process

If we have not received your details directly from you but have obtained them through a third party or public source, we may process:

• Name, contact details, education details, and employment history.

• Social media profiles (if publicly available).

• Any additional information you choose to share with us.

Marketing Communications

We may send marketing communications regarding similar job opportunities or services under legitimate interest where you have engaged with our services. You can opt out at any time via the ‘Unsubscribe’ link or by contacting us.

Sharing Your Data with Employers

We will only share your details with prospective employers with your explicit consent and do not typically disclose contact details until a job offer is made and accepted.

If You Are a Client

Vantage Consulting processes client and prospective client data to introduce and match the best candidates to the best employers.

• Where there is no contract in place, we retain data while we have meaningful contact (e.g., written/verbal communication or engagement with marketing communications). If there has been no meaningful contact for five years, we will securely delete your data.

• Where we have a contract with you, we must retain certain records for six years for tax purposes.

International Data Transfers

Some of our data processors (e.g., applicant tracking systems, email services) are located outside the UK. In such cases, we ensure adequate safeguards, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the UK ICO.

• Transfers to organisations in countries with an adequacy decision from the UK government.

Your Rights as a Data Subject

Under the UK GDPR, you have rights regarding your personal data, including:

• Right of Access – Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

• Right to Rectification – Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Right to Erasure – Request deletion of your personal data in certain circumstances.

• Right to Restrict Processing – Request limitations on processing your data.

• Right to Data Portability – Request transfer of your data to another service provider.

• Right to Object – Object to direct marketing or certain types of processing.

To exercise these rights, contact our Data Protection Officer using the details above. We will respond to your request within one month as per the UK GDPR.

Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

Vantage Consulting does not use automated decision-making or profiling that has legal or similarly significant effects on individuals. However, we may use technology to assist in filtering applications or matching candidates to roles based on their skills, experience, and preferences. Any automated processes are always subject to human oversight and review. If you believe that an automated decision has affected you unfairly, you have the right to request human intervention, express your views, and contest the decision.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with how your data is being handled, you can contact our Data Protection Officer or lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
Phone: 0303 123 1113