Privacy Policy

Last updated: 3 November 2026

Your privacy matters to me. This policy explains what personal information I collect when you use this website or work with me, how I use it, and what your rights are. I have tried to keep it clear and straightforward.

1. Who I am

I am Frances Bentley, a coach, speaker and author, and I run this website (francesbentley.com) as a sole trader. I am the data controller for the personal information described in this policy. This means I decide how and why your information is used.

Contact: frances@francesbentley.com

2. What information I collect

Depending on how you use this site, I may collect:

• Your name, email address and phone number when you get in touch, book a session, join my mailing list or register for an event.
• Payment details when you buy a programme, session or ticket. Card details are handled by the payment provider. I never see or store your full card number.
• Information you choose to share in messages, forms or coaching sessions.
• Technical information such as your IP address, browser type, device and the pages you visit, collected through cookies and similar technologies.
• Account information if you create an account on the site.

3. How I use your information

I only use your information for the reasons below. UK data protection law requires me to have a lawful basis for each one.

• To reply to your enquiries and provide my services (booking sessions, running programmes and events). The lawful basis is performing a contract with you or taking steps at your request before a contract.
• To take payment and keep financial records. The lawful basis is performing a contract and meeting my legal obligations.
• To send you my newsletter or marketing emails. The lawful basis is your consent. You can withdraw it at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email.
• To keep the website secure and understand how it is used. The lawful basis is my legitimate interest in running and improving my business.

I do not sell your personal information to anyone.

4. Coaching and sensitive information

Coaching conversations can touch on personal topics such as your wellbeing, past experiences or health. You are never required to share anything you are not comfortable with. If you do share this kind of information, I treat it as confidential. I only use it to support you in our work together and I keep any notes securely. I will not share it with anyone else unless you ask me to, or unless the law requires it or I am concerned about your safety or the safety of others.

5. Cookies

This website uses cookies. These are small files stored on your device. Some are essential for the site to work, for example to keep items in a basket or keep you logged in. Others help me understand how visitors use the site. Where cookies are not essential, I ask for your consent first through the cookie banner. You can change your choices at any time or clear cookies in your browser settings.

6. Who I share your information with

I use trusted third parties to help me run my business. They only receive what they need to do their job. These include:

• My website hosting and maintenance providers.
• My email marketing provider (Mailchimp) if you join my mailing list.
• Payment providers who process card and online payments.
• My online booking and video call tools (for example Zoom).
• My accountant, where needed for financial records.

Some of these providers are based outside the UK, including in the United States. Where this happens, I rely on appropriate safeguards such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or approved data transfer frameworks.

7. How long I keep your information

I only keep personal information for as long as I need it. Enquiry emails are usually kept for up to 2 years. Client and coaching records are kept for up to 6 years after we finish working together. Financial records are kept for 6 years to meet tax requirements. Mailing list details are kept until you unsubscribe. After these periods I delete or anonymise the information.

8. Your rights

Under UK data protection law you have the right to:

• Ask for a copy of the personal information I hold about you.
• Ask me to correct anything that is wrong or incomplete.
• Ask me to delete your information in certain circumstances.
• Ask me to restrict or stop using your information in certain circumstances.
• Ask for your information in a portable format.
• Withdraw your consent at any time where I rely on it.

To use any of these rights, email me at frances@francesbentley.com. I will reply within one month.

9. Keeping your information safe

I take sensible steps to protect your information. The website uses an SSL certificate so data is encrypted in transit. Access to my systems is password protected and I keep the site and its software up to date. No online service is completely risk free. If a data breach affects you, I will tell you and the ICO where the law requires it.

10. Links to other websites

This site may link to other websites such as social media, speaker websites or event partners. I am not responsible for their privacy practices, so please read their policies when you visit them.

11. Making a complaint

I would always prefer the chance to put things right first, so please contact me if you have a concern. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

12. Changes to this policy

I may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top shows when it was last changed.