Last updated: October 2025
The Open College of Equine Studies (“TOCES”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal data when you use our website https://toces.co.uk
For full details of our internal GDPR policy, please see our TOCES General Data Protection Regulation Policy (PDF).
Who We Are
The Open College of Equine Studies
Oaks Meadow,
Weathercock Hill,
Chevington,
Bury St Edmunds,
Suffolk,
IP29 5RG
Tel: +44 (0)1284 811401
Email: info@equinestudies.co.uk
TOCES is registered as a data controller with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
What Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following information:
- Students and course applicants: name, address, email, telephone, date of birth, qualifications, and payment information.
- Tutors, lecturers, and staff: name, contact information, CV, and professional background.
- Veterinary practices and clinical coaches: contact names, email addresses, and practice information.
- Website users: IP address, browser type, and usage information collected via cookies or forms.
- Enquiry forms and subscriptions: name, email address, and communication preferences.
- Health or accessibility information (only where required for attendance at study weeks).
How We Use Your Data
We use your personal data to:
- Respond to course enquiries and process enrolments
- Manage your learning experience and support communications
- Process payments and maintain records
- Issue certificates and qualifications
- Communicate important updates and course information
- Comply with legal, accreditation, and safeguarding obligations
We will never sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data under the following lawful bases:
- Contract – to fulfil enrolment, employment, or service agreements.
- Legitimate interest – to communicate with veterinary practices or partners about our services.
- Consent – when individuals request to receive marketing or updates.
You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting info@equinestudies.co.uk
How Long We Keep Your Data
Student and staff records are normally retained for seven years from the date of course completion or employment termination.
Marketing contact details are retained until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unnecessary data
- Restrict or object to processing in certain circumstances
- Withdraw consent for marketing communications
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk
To exercise any of these rights, contact Julie Brega at Julie.brega@equinestudies.co.uk
Cookies Policy
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.
Essential cookies
These are required for the website to function correctly (e.g. login sessions, security, form submissions).
Analytics cookies
We use limited analytics (such as Google Analytics or WordPress Stats) to understand site usage. IP addresses are anonymised where possible.
Functional cookies
If you leave a comment or log in, cookies may remember your details and display preferences for convenience.
Login cookies last two days; display preference cookies last one year.
Managing cookies
You can disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some parts of the site may not function properly without them.
To learn more, visit https://www.aboutcookies.org.uk/
Embedded Content from Other Websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g., videos, images, articles). Embedded content behaves as if the visitor has visited the other website directly, which may collect data or use cookies.
We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices, so we recommend reviewing their policies.
Data Security
We maintain appropriate physical, electronic, and organisational safeguards to protect personal data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
All staff handling personal data receive annual data protection training.
Updates to This Policy
We regularly review and update our privacy policy. Updates will be published on this page, and the revision date will be shown at the top.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact:
Julie Brega, GDPR Representative
Email: Julie.brega@equinestudies.co.uk
Tel: 01284 811401