Last updated: May 5th 2026
This privacy policy explains how William Sichel ("I”, "me”, "my”) collects, uses and protects any information you provide when using williamsichel.co.uk ("the site”). I am committed to keeping your information safe and using it only in the ways described below.
I am the data controller for any personal data collected through this site. If you have any questions, you can contact me at william@williamsichel.co.uk or by post at 7 School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1JG.
What information I collect
I only collect information you give me directly, plus a small amount of technical data when you visit the site. Specifically:
When you sign up to the mailing list
- First name, last name and email address
- The date you subscribed and confirmation that you opted in
When you use the contact form
- Your name, email address, and the content of your message
When you buy my book
- The book A Head for Running is sold through The Orcadian Bookshop, not directly through this site. When you click through to buy, you’ll be taken to their website and any information you enter there is collected by them, not by me. Please see The Orcadian Bookshop’s privacy policy for details on how they handle your data.
When you use the Nordorthopaedics referral link
- The form opens on Nordorthopaedics’ own website (Google Forms). Any data you enter there is collected by Nordorthopaedics, not by me. Please see their privacy policy for details.
When you simply visit the site
- Standard log data: IP address (in anonymised form), browser type, pages visited, time spent, and how you reached the site. This is collected via Google Analytics (or [analytics provider]) and is used only to understand how the site is being used.
How I use your information
| Purpose | Lawful basis |
| Sending you newsletter emails | Your consent |
| Replying to messages from the contact form | Legitimate interest |
| Processing and fulfilling shop orders | Contract |
| Keeping basic records for tax and accounting | Legal obligation |
| Improving the site through anonymous analytics | Legitimate interest |
I do not sell, rent or trade your personal information to anyone, ever.
Who I share it with
I share data only with trusted third-party services that help me run the site:
- Sender.net — to send the newsletter
- Google Analytics — for anonymous site statistics
- My web host, SiteGround — which stores the website and its data
Each of these providers has their own privacy policy and is bound by data protection law. Some are based outside the UK; where that’s the case, appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) are in place.
How long I keep it
- Mailing list: until you unsubscribe or ask me to remove you.
- Contact form messages: up to 24 months, then deleted.
- Analytics data: retained in anonymised form by Google for up to 14 months.
Cookies
The site uses a small number of cookies:
- Essential cookies — needed for the site to work properly.
- Analytics cookies — Google Analytics, used only with your consent. You’ll be asked when you first visit the site, and you can change your choice at any time using the cookie banner.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some parts of the site may not work as well without them.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
- Access the personal data I hold about you
- Correct anything that’s inaccurate
- Ask me to delete your data
- Withdraw consent (e.g. unsubscribe from the newsletter) at any time
- Object to certain types of processing
- Receive your data in a portable format
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
To exercise any of these rights, just email me at [contact email] and I’ll respond within 30 days.
Keeping your data secure
The site uses HTTPS encryption, and the third-party services listed above use industry-standard security measures. While no online service can be 100% secure, I take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss or misuse.
Children
This site is not aimed at children under 16, and I do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 16. If you believe a child has provided information through the site, please get in touch and I’ll remove it.
Changes to this policy
I may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated” date at the top will always show the most recent version. Significant changes will be flagged on the site.
Contact
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how I handle your data, please contact:
William Sichel
william@williamsichel.co.uk
7 School Place, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1JG