Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: 01/10/24
Welcome to Become Compliant LTD. By accessing our website becomecompliant.co.uk (the “Website”) and using our services, you (“the Client,” “you,” or “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully as they outline your rights and responsibilities when using our services.
1. Overview of Services
Become Compliant LTD (“we,” “us,” or “our”) provides compliance support services for deal sourcers and related businesses in the UK, including assistance with ICO registration, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and risk assessment policies. We act as your agent to assist with regulatory registrations, updates, and renewals.
2. Definitions
- Client: Refers to any individual or business using Become Compliant LTD’s services.
- Services: Includes all compliance-related assistance, such as ICO registration, AML compliance support, and other regulatory compliance guidance provided by Become Compliant LTD.
3. Client Responsibilities
- Accurate Information: You are responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date information, including Government Gateway login details and AMLS information. Failure to provide accurate information may affect your compliance status.
- Compliance Obligations: While we offer assistance, the Client is ultimately responsible for maintaining compliance with UK regulations, including updating your registration details and compliance information as necessary.
- Password Protection: We require access to your AMLS registration password solely to assist with AMLS registration and updates. All passwords are encrypted upon receipt and are deleted from our system immediately after use.
4. Government Gateway Information
To complete AML registrations, you must provide us with your Government Gateway credentials. If you do not have these, we can assist in creating them or guide you in creating the necessary account.
5. Adding Additional Personnel
If you wish to add additional personnel to your compliance registration:
- You may use the Add Another Person feature through our payment processor, Stripe, and applicable fees will apply.
- Each additional registrant must confirm they meet the “fit and proper” status requirements.
- If your business handles client money, each individual must undergo a Fit and Proper Test at a cost of £150 per person.
6. Payment and Fees
- Pricing: Service fees are detailed on our Website. All fees are payable in advance through Stripe. Additional charges apply for services such as ICO registration, Fit and Proper Tests, and adding personnel.
- Late Payments: Failure to pay fees when due may result in suspension or termination of services.
7. Refund Policy
- 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: You are entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase, during which you may request a full refund if services have not commenced.
- Partial Refunds: If services have commenced within the cooling-off period or after, we may provide a partial refund at our discretion, based on work completed.
- Processing: Refunds will be processed through Stripe within 14 business days of confirmation and will exclude any non-refundable Stripe fees.
Please refer to our full Refund Policy for details.
8. Data Protection and Privacy
- Confidentiality: We prioritize the security and confidentiality of your data. Passwords provided for AMLS registration are encrypted in our system, are unreadable by our staff, and are deleted once used.
- Data Usage: All personal data is handled in compliance with applicable UK data protection laws. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
9. Limitation of Liability
- Become Compliant LTD provides compliance support and guidance but is not a professional advisor (e.g., solicitor, accountant) and does not offer legal or financial advice.
- We are not liable for any direct or indirect loss or damages resulting from your failure to remain compliant with UK laws.
- We are not responsible for regulatory penalties resulting from Client actions or omissions.
10. Intellectual Property and Restricted Use of Content
- All Website content, including text, images, logos, and other intellectual property, belongs to Become Compliant LTD and is protected by copyright laws.
- You are granted a limited license to access the Website and use the Services for personal or internal business use only.
All content, documentation, and guidance provided by Become Compliant LTD are proprietary and are protected by copyright law. By using our services, you agree to the following:- Copyright Ownership: All documents, templates, guidance materials, and other content we provide are the exclusive intellectual property of Become Compliant LTD. You are granted a limited, non-transferable license to use these materials solely for personal or internal business compliance purposes.
- Prohibition on Distribution: You may not distribute, reproduce, or share any content provided by Become Compliant LTD, in whole or in part, with any third parties without our express written consent.
- Compliance Monitoring: We reserve the right to conduct random checks to ensure compliance with this term. If we identify unauthorized distribution or sharing of our content, we will pursue strict legal action for compensation and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
By accepting our Terms of Business, you acknowledge and agree to uphold this provision. Unauthorized use or distribution of our content may result in immediate suspension of services and legal action.
11. Amendments to Terms and Conditions
Become Compliant LTD reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Clients will be notified of any substantial changes via the Website or by email.
12. Dispute Resolution
- Governing Law: These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
- Dispute Resolution: In the event of any disputes, both parties agree to attempt resolution through negotiation or mediation before pursuing legal action.
13. Contact Information
For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions or our services, please contact us at support@becomecompliant.co.uk.
Acknowledgment
By accessing our Website and using Become Compliant LTD’s services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
Data Protection Policy (GDPR)
Effective Date: 01/10/24
Last Updated: 01/10/24
Become Compliant LTD (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the personal data of our clients in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK data protection laws. This Data Protection Policy outlines the type of data we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it secure.
1. Purpose of Data Collection
We collect, store, and process personal data exclusively for the purpose of assisting clients in their compliance applications, such as ICO registration, AML compliance, and other related regulatory requirements.
2. Types of Data Collected
The data we collect from clients may include:
- Personal Identification Information: Name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
- Government Gateway Details: Username and password for AMLS registration assistance.
- Financial Information: Limited financial information needed for compliance applications.
- Compliance-Related Documentation: Any documents necessary for ICO and AML registration, and other regulatory compliance submissions.
3. Lawful Basis for Data Processing
We process personal data based on legitimate interests as defined by GDPR, to assist our clients in meeting compliance requirements. All data is handled in accordance with GDPR’s principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
4. Data Usage
- Compliance Application: Data is used solely to facilitate the client’s compliance applications with regulatory bodies, such as ICO and HMRC.
- Communication: Data may be used to communicate with clients regarding their applications, compliance updates, and related services.
- Reminders and Renewals: To support ongoing compliance, we may issue reminders prior to key dates, such as the annual HMRC AML renewal.
5. Data Security
We implement robust security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, or loss, including:
- Encryption: Sensitive information, such as passwords, is encrypted upon receipt, ensuring it remains unreadable by our staff and third parties.
- Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to personal data required to perform compliance services.
- Data Minimization and Retention: Data is collected and retained only as necessary for the specified compliance purposes. We delete client passwords from our system immediately after completing the registration process.
6. Data Retention
- We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose of fulfilling compliance services. Once the data is no longer required, it will be securely deleted in accordance with our data retention policies.
- Government Gateway credentials will be securely removed from our system following completion of the compliance registration.
7. Data Sharing
- Third Parties: Personal data is not shared with third parties unless required by law or with the Client’s explicit consent.
- Service Providers: We use reputable service providers (such as Stripe for payment processing) that comply with GDPR and apply data protection standards. We do not share personal data with these providers beyond what is necessary for processing payments.
8. Client Rights
Under GDPR, clients have the following rights regarding their personal data:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Rectification: Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data when it is no longer necessary for compliance purposes.
- Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we process your data in certain circumstances.
- Right to Object: Object to the processing of your data where applicable.
- Right to Data Portability: Request that we transfer your data to another service provider if desired.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at [insert contact email]. We will respond to all requests within one month, as required by GDPR.
9. Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that could result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals, we will notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours and inform affected clients without undue delay.
10. Policy Updates
We may update this Data Protection Policy from time to time to reflect legal or regulatory changes. We will notify clients of any substantial updates via our Website or by email.
Refund Policy
Effective Date: 01/10/24
Become Compliant LTD provides compliance assistance and regulatory support to deal sourcers and related businesses in the UK. Our refund policy complies with UK consumer law and outlines eligibility for refunds, timing, and processing methods through Stripe.
1. Eligibility for Refunds
- 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you are entitled to a 14-day cooling-off period for services purchased online. This period begins the day after your purchase is completed on our Website. During this time, you may cancel your purchase for any reason and receive a full refund, provided services have not commenced.
- Services Commencement: If you request our services to start within the 14-day cooling-off period, and we have begun the work, you agree to waive your right to a full refund. A partial refund may be available at our discretion based on the services provided up until the cancellation request.
2. Non-Refundable Services
- After the 14-day cooling-off period, fees for completed services are non-refundable. This includes but is not limited to:
- Completed ICO registrations, AML applications, and Government Gateway assistance.
- Any risk assessment policies, suspicious activity reporting documentation, and compliance guidance already delivered to the Client.
3. Partial Refunds
- If you cancel a service in progress after the cooling-off period or after services have commenced, we may consider a partial refund at our discretion. The refund amount will reflect the work completed, excluding any fees incurred by Become Compliant LTD.
4. Refund Processing
- Timing: If eligible for a refund, your request will be processed within 14 business days from the date of your cancellation confirmation.
- Stripe Processing: All refunds will be processed through Stripe, the payment processor used at checkout. Refunds will be returned to the original payment method used during purchase.
- Stripe Fees: Stripe’s payment processing fees are non-refundable. Refunds issued will reflect the service cost minus any fees charged by Stripe.
5. How to Request a Refund
- To request a refund, contact us via email at [insert contact email] with your full name, order details, and reason for cancellation.
- We will confirm receipt of your request and provide further instructions for eligible refunds.
6. Amendments to the Refund Policy
Become Compliant LTD reserves the right to amend this Refund Policy in compliance with UK laws. Notice of any substantial changes will be provided on our Website or by email.
Internal Complaints Procedure
Become Compliant LTD is committed to providing high-quality compliance services and values feedback from our clients. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our services, please follow the procedure below to submit a formal complaint. Our aim is to resolve complaints promptly, fairly, and effectively.
1. How to Make a Complaint
To submit a complaint, please email complaints@becomecompliant.co.uk with the following information:
- Your full name and contact details
- A detailed description of the issue, including any relevant dates and names of individuals involved
- Any supporting documentation related to your complaint (if applicable)
2. Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Upon receiving your complaint, we will acknowledge receipt via email within two business days.
- This acknowledgment will confirm that we have received your complaint and will begin investigating.
3. Initial Assessment and Investigation
- Our compliance team will review your complaint thoroughly and impartially.
- We may contact you for further information or clarification if needed to fully understand the issue.
4. Response Timeframe
- We aim to provide a full response within 10 business days of receiving your complaint.
- If more time is needed due to the complexity of the complaint, we will inform you of the expected response date and keep you updated on our progress.
5. Resolution and Outcome
- Our response will include a summary of the findings, any corrective actions taken, and an explanation of the resolution.
- If the complaint is upheld, we will explain what steps we will take to prevent similar issues in the future.
- If your complaint is not upheld, we will provide a clear and detailed explanation.
6. Escalation
- If you are unsatisfied with the resolution provided, you may request an escalation. Your complaint will be reviewed by a senior member of our team who was not involved in the initial investigation.
- The escalation process may take up to 10 additional business days, after which a final decision will be communicated to you in writing.
7. Confidentiality and Record Keeping
- All complaints will be handled with strict confidentiality and in line with our data protection policy.
- We will maintain a record of all complaints, including actions taken and resolutions provided, to help improve our services.
We value your feedback and are committed to continuously improving our services. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to address your concerns. If you have questions about this complaints procedure, please contact us at complaints@becomecompliant.co.uk.