At alworths we take privacy of your personal data very seriously. That is why we have developed state-of-the-art systems for our stores, that comply with the latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI/DSS).

This ensures that your card details and your personal identity number (PIN) are encrypted before they are sent to the bank and a copy isn't kept in-store or at our offices at all.

We've also signed Futura, a leading systems supplier, to provide not just our front-of-house systems but also behind the scenes and at Head Offices. This gives us the reporting we need with maximum security, wtihout the need to transfer data between systems.

We also have strict privacy policies on-line at alworths.com. We've signed experienced systems providers WWW Group Ltd. to provide and host our site. When you complete an on-line form which includes your email address or other personal details, the website automatically takes you to a secure area where your data is encrypted before it is written away. Both alworths Ltd and WWW Group Ltd. make three key commitments on privacy:

• we don't sell email addresses to anyone or share them with third parties under any circumstances
• our personnel data is held and managed by PeopleTime Ltd., who process on-line job applications and enquiries on our behalf. Their relationship with us is governed by a binding non-disclosure agreement. PeopleTime Ltd. are a fully accredited HR service provider
• customers are welcome to subscribe to or unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. We don't send spam, but we do send occasional updates about our stores, products and services to those customers who have opted into our mailing list.

We do not currently sell on-line or accept any on-line payments (for example from suppliers or in support our charities and other ventures). In the event that such services are offered in the future, we will update our privacy policy accordingly, and will engage a reputable third-party supplier to provide the necessary security and infrastructure.

Questions relating to the Data Protection Act should be sent to the Managing Director at our Registered Office.