Privacy Policy

Last updated: 31 December 2025

Welcome to Expats Notes: Life in the UK, Unpacked. This Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected when you visit this website.

I am committed to respecting your privacy and handling your personal data in a transparent and responsible way, in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

1. Who I am

This website is owned and operated by Julia Melnychenko.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, you can contact me at: support@expatsnotes.com

2. What personal data is collected

Depending on how you use this website, the following data may be collected:

a) Contact data

If you contact me via email or through the contact form on this website, I may collect:

  • Your name
  • Your email address
  • The content of your message

This data is only used to respond to your enquiry and provide the information or assistance you requested.

b) Email subscriptions (if applicable)

If you subscribe to a newsletter or email updates, your email address will be collected and stored. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in emails or by contacting me directly.

3. Cookies

This website uses minimal cookies necessary for basic functionality.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. The cookies used on this site are essential for the website to function properly.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Blocking essential cookies may impact your experience of the site.

4. How your data is used

Personal data collected on this website is used to:

  • Respond to enquiries and provide customer support
  • Communicate with subscribers (if applicable)
  • Ensure the security and proper functioning of the website

Your data is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Third-party services

This website may use third-party services such as:

  • Hosting providers (e.g., Netlify, GitHub Pages)
  • Email service providers (if applicable)

These services process data on my behalf and are required to comply with data protection regulations. Each service has its own privacy policy governing how they handle your data.

6. Legal basis for processing (UK GDPR)

Personal data is processed on the following legal bases:

  • Consent: For cookies and newsletter subscriptions
  • Contractual necessity: For responding to enquiries and providing requested information

7. How long data is stored

Personal data is kept only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Contact data is retained for up to 2 years or until no longer needed to respond to your enquiry
  • Email subscription data is retained until you unsubscribe

8. Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Object to or restrict processing
  • Data portability (receive a copy of your data)
  • Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact me using the email address provided above.

9. Data security

I implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and I cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International transfers

Some third-party services used by this website may transfer your data outside the UK/EEA. When this occurs, appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with data protection law.

11. Changes to this policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in how data is processed or legal requirements. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

12. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact me at: support@expatsnotes.com