Effective date: 11 November 2023
Last updated: 17 April 2026

Certified Locksmiths and Security (CLS)

1. Introduction

Certified Locksmiths and Security (“CLS”) is a trading brand of Eight Ball Engineering Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”).

We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.

This policy explains how we collect, use and protect personal data relating to:

• Website users
• Members and applicants
• Users of our member portal and app
• Individuals submitting enquiries or scam reports

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

Eight Ball Engineering Limited
c/o Ascentant Accountancy
3a College Place
Derby
DE1 3DY

Email: info@eightballengineering.co.uk

3. Information We Collect

Members and Applicants

As part of applying for and maintaining membership, we collect:

• Name and contact details
• Company name and business details
• Email address and telephone number
• Postcode and service areas
• Login credentials for access to our member portal and app

We also collect information required to assess suitability for membership, including:

• Proof of identity (for example, driving licence)
• DBS check information
• Proof of business insurance
• References from nominated referees

Vetting and Verification Data

Documents provided for identity and background checks are:

• Used solely to assess eligibility for membership
• Reviewed internally by CLS
• Not routinely shared externally
• Retained only for as long as necessary to complete verification

Where ongoing validation is required (for example, annual checks), updated documents may be requested and are deleted once verification is complete.

Referee Verification

We may contact referees nominated by applicants as part of our verification process.

We do not routinely share personal documents with referees. In limited circumstances, where necessary to verify an applicant’s identity, experience or suitability, we may share relevant information to support the verification process.

Any such sharing is carried out on a case-by-case basis, is proportionate to the verification required, and reflects the high level of trust expected within the locksmith and security sector.

We do not routinely share sensitive personal documents (such as full identity documents or background checks), and any information disclosed is limited to what is necessary for verification purposes.

We continually review our verification processes to ensure they remain appropriate and proportionate.

Public Directory Information

As part of membership, certain information is published on our website directory, including:

• Name
• Company name
• Contact details
• Service areas

This is a core part of the CLS service and helps members promote their services to the public.

Website Users

We do not actively collect personal data from general website visitors unless you:

• Contact us directly
• Submit a form
• Submit a scam or incident report

Cookies and tracking technologies are handled separately in our Cookie Policy.

Scam Report Submissions

If you submit a scam or incident report, we may collect:

• Your name and contact details (if provided)
• Details of the incident
• Information relating to third parties

This information is used to review and assess reports and support consumer protection.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal data to:

• Process membership applications
• Verify identity and suitability of applicants
• Manage and maintain memberships
• Provide access to the CLS member portal and app
• Publish member listings in our directory
• Respond to enquiries and communications
• Review and investigate scam or incident reports

5. Sharing of Data

Public Directory

Member business details are made publicly available as part of our directory service.

Trusted CLS Partners

We may share member contact details, including name, company, email, phone number and postcode, with carefully selected and verified CLS Partners listed on our website.

This sharing is carried out for legitimate business purposes, including:

• Supporting member services
• Providing relevant opportunities, products or services
• Developing industry relationships

All partners are expected to handle personal data responsibly and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

We do not sell member data to third parties.

Scam Report Handling

Where a scam report is submitted, we may share relevant details with up to two trusted CLS locksmith members local to the reported area. This is done to:

• Help assess the situation
• Provide guidance to the reporting individual
• Support appropriate resolution where possible

Where we believe it is appropriate to involve external organisations, such as Trading Standards or Citizens Advice, we will seek permission from the reporting individual before sharing their information.

Other Disclosures

We may disclose personal data where required to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights, members or the public
• Assist with investigations where appropriate

6. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases:

• Contract – to manage membership and provide services
• Legitimate interests – to operate, improve and promote CLS services
• Legal obligations – where required by law

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

• Membership data – for the duration of membership and a reasonable period after
• Verification documents – only until checks are completed
• Scam reports – for as long as necessary to review and resolve the matter
• Financial records – in line with legal requirements

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion where appropriate
• Object to certain types of processing

Requests can be made by contacting us using the details above.

9. Cookies

For information about how we use cookies, please see our separate Cookie Policy.