Bella's Canine Scent Training Data Protection Complaints Policy

Effective Date: 26 September 2026
Business Name: Bella's Canine Scent Training
Data Controller: Bella's Canine Scent Training
Contact Email: helen@bellascaninescenttraining.co.uk

Purpose

Bella's Canine Scent Training is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of clients, prospective clients, website visitors, and any other individuals whose personal information we process.

This policy outlines how concerns, complaints, or queries relating to the handling of personal data can be raised and how they will be addressed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Your Right to Complain

If you believe that Bella's Canine Scent Training has not handled your personal data correctly, has failed to meet its obligations under data protection law, or has not responded appropriately to a data protection request, you have the right to make a complaint.

Examples of data protection complaints may include:

  • Concerns about how your personal information has been collected or used.

  • Unauthorised disclosure of personal data.

  • Inaccurate personal information being held.

  • Delays in responding to a Subject Access Request.

  • Failure to correct, delete, or restrict personal data when requested.

  • Concerns regarding data security or confidentiality.

  • Marketing communications received without consent where consent is required.

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints should be submitted in writing and include:

  • Your full name.

  • Contact details.

  • Details of the issue or concern.

  • Any relevant dates.

  • Copies of supporting information where available.

  • The outcome you would like us to achieve.

Complaints should be sent to:

Email: helen@bellascaninescenttraining.co.uk

Alternatively, you may write to us using the contact details provided on our website.

What Happens Next

Acknowledgement

We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 5 working days.

Investigation

We will investigate the matter fairly and thoroughly, which may include:

  • Reviewing relevant records and correspondence.

  • Assessing compliance with our privacy and data protection procedures.

  • Consulting any third-party service providers involved in processing the data.

Response

We aim to provide a written response within 30 calendar days of receiving your complaint.

Our response will explain:

  • The outcome of our investigation.

  • Any findings made.

  • Any corrective action taken or proposed.

  • Information about further escalation options if you remain dissatisfied.

Where a complaint is particularly complex, we may require additional time. If so, we will inform you of the reason for the delay and provide an updated timeframe.

Data Subject Rights

Making a complaint does not affect your legal rights under UK data protection legislation.

You may also exercise your rights to:

  • Access your personal data.

  • Request correction of inaccurate information.

  • Request deletion of personal data where applicable.

  • Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances.

  • Request transfer of your data where applicable.

  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

Requests relating to these rights should be submitted separately using the contact details provided in our Privacy Policy.

Escalating Your Complaint

We hope to resolve all data protection concerns directly and fairly.

However, if you remain dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority for data protection matters.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113

We encourage individuals to contact us first so that we have an opportunity to address concerns before they are referred to the ICO.

Confidentiality

All data protection complaints will be handled confidentially and only shared with individuals who need access to the information in order to investigate and resolve the matter.

Information relating to complaints will be retained only for as long as necessary to meet legal, regulatory, and business requirements.

Monitoring and Review

Bella's Canine Scent Training reviews data protection complaints to identify trends, improve processes, strengthen data security measures, and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable data protection legislation.

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal, operational, or regulatory changes.

Bella's Canine Scent Training is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of personal data and to addressing all data protection concerns promptly, fairly, and transparently.