Privacy Policy

Introduction


Harken Search Ltd (“we,” “us,” “our”) is a permanent recruitment and executive search agency specialising in talent acquisition across the residential development sector. We are committed to protecting your personal data and privacy in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you engage with us—whether as a candidate, client, website visitor, or recipient of our marketing communications.

1. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal data:

Candidates:

  • Name, contact details, CV, career history, salary expectations

  • Right‑to‑work status

  • Diversity and equal opportunities data (optional)

  • Interview notes and feedback

Clients:

  • Business contact information

  • Hiring briefs, role requirements, and correspondence

Marketing Contacts:

  • Name, job title, company, email address

  • Engagement data (e.g., email opens or clicks, where applicable)

Website Users:

  • Cookies, IP address, and browsing behaviour (see Section 6)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal data for the following purposes:

Recruitment and Search Services

  • Matching candidates with suitable vacancies

  • Communicating with candidates and clients

  • Assessing skills, experience, and suitability

  • Submitting CVs and profiles to clients (with prior consent)

  • Record‑keeping for legal and contractual obligations

  • Diversity and inclusion monitoring (optional and anonymised)

Email Marketing and Business Development

  • Sending sector insights, newsletters, event invitations, and service updates

  • Contacting prospective clients or candidates about relevant opportunities

  • Maintaining and updating our CRM and marketing lists

  • Ensuring communications are relevant and tailored to your role or organisation

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” or contacting us directly.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under the following lawful bases:

Consent

  • When submitting your CV

  • When collecting diversity data

  • When you opt in to receive marketing communications

Legitimate Interests

  • To operate as an executive search and recruitment business

  • To contact relevant professionals with opportunities or insights

  • To send marketing emails to business contacts where appropriate and proportionate

  • To maintain accurate business records and improve our services

Contractual Necessity

  • When we need your data to fulfil recruitment services or agreements

Legal Obligations

  • Right‑to‑work checks

  • HMRC or regulatory compliance

4. Where We Store Your Data

Candidate and client data is stored securely in our CRM system, provided by a third‑party service provider acting as a data processor on our behalf. This includes CVs, contact details, interview notes, and recruitment‑related information.

We also use trusted third‑party tools to support recruitment workflows—such as interview scheduling, communication platforms, marketing systems, and reporting tools. These providers process data only under our instruction and are subject to strict confidentiality and data protection controls.

5. Data Sharing and Retention

We only share personal data with trusted clients, platforms, or third parties where:

  • You have provided prior consent

  • It is necessary to fulfil recruitment or marketing services

  • Required by law or regulatory obligation

We retain data only for as long as necessary for recruitment, business development, or legal purposes. You may request deletion, correction, or updates at any time.

6. Website and Cookies

We may use cookies and analytics tools to understand how visitors use our website and improve user experience. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction or deletion

  • Object to processing (including marketing)

  • Request data portability

  • Withdraw consent at any time To exercise these, contact us at privacy@harkensearch.co.uk.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this policy or how we handle data, please contact us at info@harkensearch.co.uk

Harken Search Ltd.