Last updated: 1st of July 2026
This privacy policy explains how Andrew Lawrence (“I”, “me”, “my”) collects and uses personal information through this website, awjlawrence.com. I am the data controller for the information described here and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), registration number C1973407.
If you have any questions about this policy or your information, contact me at andrew@awjlawrence.com or by post at 308 Hempstead Road Hempstead Kent ME7 3QH United Kngdom.
1. Who this policy covers
This is a personal political website through which I share views, campaign on local issues, and hear from residents. This policy covers information collected through this site — for example when you complete a survey, subscribe to updates, use a contact form, or simply browse. It does not cover any casework you raise with me in my capacity as a serving councillor through Medway Council’s own channels, which is handled under the Council’s own privacy arrangements.
2. The information I collect
Depending on how you use the site, I may collect:
- Information you give me directly — such as your name, email address and postcode when you complete a survey, subscribe to updates, post a comment, or send a message through a contact form, together with the content of that message or those responses.
- Survey responses — the answers you give to surveys on this site. These are collected anonymously unless you choose to add your contact details.
- Technical information collected automatically — such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and pages visited, gathered through cookies and similar technologies (see section 7).
3. Why I use it, and my lawful basis
Under UK GDPR I must have a lawful basis for using your information. I rely on the following:
- Consent — for sending you email updates and newsletters, and for any non-essential cookies. You can withdraw consent at any time.
- Legitimate interests — for responding to messages you send me, understanding residents’ priorities from survey responses (in anonymous, aggregated form), and maintaining the security and proper functioning of the site. Where I rely on legitimate interests, I have considered your rights and will not use your information in ways you would not reasonably expect.
- Legal obligation — where I am required to keep or disclose information by law.
4. Information that may reveal political opinions
Some information — for example, a survey comment or a message about a local issue — may reveal your political opinions. This is a “special category” of data under Article 9 of the UK GDPR and is given extra protection. Where I process such information I rely on your consent, and/or on the substantial-public-interest condition for political activities and democratic engagement set out in the Data Protection Act 2018. I keep this information secure and use it only for the purpose for which you provided it.
5. Email updates
If you subscribe to updates, I use your details to send you information about local issues and my work. I will only email you if you have opted in. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time by using that link or emailing me. Email sign-ups are managed using Siteground, which processes your details on my behalf.
6. Who I share your information with
I do not sell your information or share it for others’ marketing. I share it only with service providers who process it on my behalf and under contract, including:
- my website host, SiteGround;
- the form and survey tools used on the site;
- my email marketing provider, Siteground;
- Google Analytics, where used (see section 7).
I may also disclose information where required by law. Some of these providers may process data outside the UK; where they do, I take steps to ensure it is protected by an adequacy decision or appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.
7. Cookies and analytics
This site uses cookies — small files stored on your device. Essential cookies keep the site working. I also use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use the site, through non-essential cookies that are only set with your consent.] You can manage or refuse cookies through your browser settings and through any cookie banner shown on the site.
8. How long I keep your information
I keep your information only as long as needed for the purpose it was collected:
- Email subscribers — until you unsubscribe, after which your details are removed.
- Survey contact details — until you ask me to delete them; anonymous survey results may be kept and published in aggregate.
- Messages and correspondence — for as long as needed to deal with the matter and a reasonable period afterwards.
9. How I protect your information
I take reasonable technical and organisational measures to keep your information secure, including secure hosting, restricted access, and encrypted connections (HTTPS).
10. Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
- ask for a copy of the information I hold about you;
- ask me to correct inaccurate information;
- ask me to delete your information;
- ask me to restrict or object to how I use it;
- withdraw consent at any time (this won’t affect processing already carried out);
- request portability of information you provided.
To exercise any of these, email me at andrew@awjlawrence.com. I will respond within one month.
11. Complaints
If you are unhappy with how I have handled your information, please contact me first so I can try to put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk, or by calling 0303 123 1113.
12. Links to other sites
This site may link to other websites. I am not responsible for their privacy practices, and I encourage you to read their privacy policies.
13. Changes to this policy
I may update this policy from time to time. The current version is always shown here, with the “last updated” date at the top.
Contact: Andrew Lawrence — andrew@awjlawrence.com — 308 Hempstead Road Hempstead Kent ME7 3QH United Kingdom.