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Become a Cardiologist in the UK: A comprehensive guide for IMGs

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The rules, guidelines and criteria for working as a doctor in the UK change frequently. Please make sure you check the latest official guidance before taking action.

Introduction

Cardiology has always been an exciting and popular field of medicine. From preventive measures to interventional treatments, there’s an area of interest for all types of aspiring Cardiologists.

Whether you have already trained in Cardiology overseas, or you are interested in entering Cardiology training in the UK, this comprehensive guide will discuss your options for a clinical career in this specialty in the UK.

Be aware that entering UK Cardiology training is highly competitive, however, with hard work and a clear strategy, it is certainly possible for an IMG to get a place in the UK Cardiology residency programme. In fact, at the time of publication, 17% of Cardiology residents in the UK are IMGs!

The steps to work in the UK

These are the general steps for an IMG to work in the UK as a Cardiologist:

  1. Understand the UK Cardiology training pathway
  2. Determine your long-term goal
  3. Get registered with the GMC
  4. Find a suitable job
  5. Obtain a work visa
  6. Start work

It is possible to do steps 2 & 3 simultaneously depending on the type of job. It is also possible to interchange steps 2 and 3 by finding a job first, and obtaining GMC registration after you’ve received a job offer as long as the employer agrees to this in advance.

We also have a short course where we explain how it is possible to get into UK training in 2 years time. Enrol now for free.

The UK Cardiology training pathway

Whether you plan to enter the UK training pathway or not, it’s important to understand the pathway so you have an idea of what it takes to become a recognised UK Consultant Cardiologist.

Those entering UK training from 2021 will now need to train in both Cardiology and General Internal Medicine (GIM). This training is 5 years long, however, to start the combined Cardiology/GIM training, you must have a minimum of 5 years of postgraduate clinical experience plus full MRCP.

Related external site: FAQs about the new IMT curriculum

For UK doctors, this consists of the following:

  • 2 years UK Foundation Programme PLUS
  • Core training (ONE of the following programmes):
    • 3 years Internal Medicine (previously 2 years Core Medicine) + MRCP* OR
    • 4 years Acute Medicine + MRCP

For IMGs, it can look a little different. We’ll go into the possible alternatives a bit later.

*Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians

Overview of the UK Cardiology training pathway

CCT pathway for UK Grads

Exams & exit qualifications

There are currently no exit exams for Cardiology/GIM training after MRCP. Once you complete the 5-year specialist training, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). This is used to gain entry to the GMC Specialist Register and be recognised as a Consultant Cardiologist. Once on the GMC Specialist Register, you can only apply for permanent Cardiology Consultant jobs.

Having a UK Masters or MD in Cardiology does not lead to being recognised as a Consultant Cardiologist. These university degrees are not a part of the UK Consultant Cardiology training pathway, although they can look good on your CV.

What is your long-term goal?

Before you can set out on our journey, you really need to determine your long-term goal. This is the step that many IMGs skip and end up taking a sad long winding road.

So before you continue reading, pause for a minute to answer this question: what do you want to get out of coming to the UK?

There are 3 main choices when it comes to clinical work:

  1. Become a recognised UK Consultant Cardiologist 
    • Whether you want to stay in the UK long-term or migrate elsewhere after, is up to you.
  2. Work long-term as a Cardiologist in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
  3. Complete a UK Cardiology fellowship/gain UK experience then return home

What is the answer for you?

By answering this question early on, you can save yourself the wasted time and money spent following a pathway that does not lead to your end-goal.

Other options

Of course, there are other options such as pursuing a career in research, medical education, pharmaceuticals, hospital management etc. However, these careers are not covered in this article. This article, and the entire Savvy IMG blog for that matter, deals mainly with clinical careers.

How to reach your long-term goal

The good thing about the UK, is that the pathways are flexible and there are a lot of options. But that is also why it is so confusing.

Here I’ll go through each of the 3 possible long-term goals in more detail.

Goal #1 – Become a recognised UK Consultant Cardiologist

If you want to be recognised as a Consultant Cardiologist in the UK, and be eligible to apply for  permanent Consultant posts in the NHS, you need to be on the GMC specialist register.

You can enter the specialist register via 3 possible routes:

  1. CCT
  2. CESR-CP
  3. CESR

These 3 routes differ by how much of the UK Cardiology training pathway you complete.

CCT Route

This route involves completing the full 8-year UK Cardiology/GIM training pathway. This means you complete both core training and higher specialty training in the UK.

Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a dual Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Cardiology and GIM.

The CCT route is best for new graduates and those who have not already completed postgraduate training in Cardiology.

Click image to enlarge

Core training options

You have a choice of 2 core training programmes in the UK for the CCT route:

  • Internal Medicine (3 years)
  • ACCS Acute Medicine (4 years)

It’s really up to you which one you choose depending on the type of training you wish to have. Before you enter Cardiology training, you need to pass all parts of MRCP.

Higher specialty training

Whichever core training programme you choose, you will then apply for ST3 Cardiology/GIM. Although core training is now 3 years long instead of the previous 2 years, so it will be probably be called ST4 Cardiology/GIM in future.

Related:

CESR-CP Route

If you complete the 5-year UK Cardiology/GIM training programme, but do not complete core training in the UK or internationally accredited equivalent, then this is known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) pathway.

However, at the end of training, you will still be awarded a CCT in Cardiology.

This route is most suitable for those who already have some postgraduate experience.

Click image to enlarge

Core training alternatives

On the CESR-CP route, you can skip UK core training if you already have the equivalent experience overseas, or if you decide to obtain core training experience in the UK outside of the official core training programmes.

The minimum requirements include:

  • Minimum 2 years post-internship experience in adult medicine (this must include a minimum of 12 months managing acute medical inpatients)
    • This is likely to change to 3 years for 2022 applications due to core medical training being extended to 3 years.
  • Alternative Certificate of Core Competence
    • This is a document to certify you have the equivalent skills and knowledge of a doctor who has completed the official UK Internal Medicine training programme.
    • Having a valid Core Competence certificate confirms that you have Foundation competences as well, so no separate Foundation competence form is required.
  • MRCP

Higher specialty training

Once you complete the above requirements, you will be eligible to apply for Cardiology training along with those on the CCT route who have completed an official UK core training programme.

CESR route (AKA Article 14)

If you do not complete any part of the official UK Cardiology residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant.

This is achieved by submitting proof to the GMC (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training of someone who has completed both UK Core training and UK Cardiology training. This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.

If accepted, you will be awarded a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for Cardiology.

This route is most suitable for those who have already completed postgraduate training in Cardiology.

Click image to enlarge

CESR route (AKA Article 14)

If you do not complete any part of the official UK Cardiology residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant.

This is achieved by submitting proof to the GMC (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training of someone who has completed both UK Core training and UK Cardiology training. This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.

If accepted, you will be awarded a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for Cardiology.

This route is most suitable for those who have already completed postgraduate training in Cardiology.

Click image to enlarge

What documentation do you need to provide for CESR?

The GMC has specific guidance about what documents are required for CESR. You can find the guidance here:

Related: How to become a UK specialist without entering a UK training programme – the CESR route

Equivalence

In the UK, all 3 pathways – CCT, CESR-CP & CESR – are viewed as equivalent. You will be recognised as a UK Consultant Cardiologist via any of these 3 routes.

But please be aware that this may not be the case overseas. Some countries do not accept CESR as equivalent to CCT, so if you plan to migrate after becoming a UK Consultant, be sure to check with the medical authority of that country first.

Goal #2 – Work long-term as a Cardiologist in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant

Not all doctors aspire to work as a Consultant, the responsibilities are significant and some doctors find the role unattractive.

If you don’t want to become a Consultant, rest assured that you can still work as a Cardiologist in the UK with decent pay and a good work-life balance.

You can apply to any position you feel you are qualified for according to your previous experience and the job description. Potential job titles include clinical fellow or specialty doctor.

It is also possible to apply for locum consultant jobs. Locum consultant posts do not require you to be on the GMC Specialist Register.

Whatever job you start with, you can always seek promotion with the same employer or apply for more senior positions as you gain more experience.

Related:

UK doctor titles 101

The best first jobs for overseas doctors in the UK

This is possible. Most Consultant Cardiologist in this position go through the CESR route.

Goal #3 – Complete a fellowship in the UK then return home

Many doctors wish to gain experience and training in the UK in order to better serve their patients back home. If this is something you’re interested in, there are a few ways to do this.

The main programme available to match you to a job is the Royal College of Physicians Medical Training Initiative. It is designed for IMGs who have some medical training experience but have not yet completed their cardiology training.

Take note that Cardiology is a very popular specialty and there may be few to no places. We recommend contacting RCP MTI first about the likelihood of getting a Cardiology placement before applying.

Read more about the programme here:

There are some hospitals that provide fellowship training in Cardiology subspecialties. These are aimed at doctors who have completed some Cardiology training and wish to subspecialise.

In order to apply, you need to contact the responsible Consultant to find out if there is a vacancy and request an application form.

You can look for fellowships here:

  1. Visit the NHS Jobs website
  2. Search “Cardiology fellow” or “Cardiology ” and identify the doctor jobs
  3. Apply to jobs you like and are suitable for

If there is a specific Consultant who you would like to do a fellowship with or a specific centre that you would like to gain experience at and you can’t find a job opening anywhere, it’s worth sending a direct email to inquire about a possible fellowship.

Be sure to include a well-formatted up-to-date CV and a convincing cover letter about why you want to work with them and how you can be an asset to them as a fellow.

You still need GMC registration to work in the UK as a doctor even if you don’t plan to stay here long-term. To gain GMC registration for a fellowship, you can use any of the methods discussed below under the GMC registration section.

The registration you gain is permanent and will not be revoked after your fellowship ends.

To obtain a visa to work in the UK as a fellow, there are 2 options:

  1. Tier 5 temporary work visa (maximum 24 months in the UK on this type of visa) – this is done through RCP OR
  2. Tier 2 standard work visa (no maximum period) – this is done through the hospital you’ll be working at

After completing your fellowship training and gaining UK experience, you simply return home after the job contract ends.

Cardiology residency in the UK

Core training programme structure

There are 2 options for core training in the UK: Internal Medicine, and Acute Medicine.

Internal Medicine

  • Year 1-2: Currently known as CT1 & CT2. 
    • Your work responsibility will be set at junior-grade or SHO level. You will rotate through medical specialties such as Cardiology, Respiratory Medicine, Oncology etc.
  • Year 3: This is new but is likely to be called CT3 or IMY3. 
    • This is when you step up to middle-grade or registrar level. You will continue rotating through medical specialties but you will have more clinical responsibility compared to Year 1-2.

Acute Medicine

  • Year 1-2: Currently known as CT1 & CT2.  
    • You will rotate through acute medical specialties such as Emergency Medicine, Acute Internal Medicine, Anaesthetics, and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Year 2-4: It’s not clear how these years will be designated. 
    • These 2 years will be the same as Year 2-3 of Internal Medicine.

In most programmes, you will stay in the same hospital for the duration of core training, but it is possible that you will have move to a hospital within the same region between each year.

Related: How specialty training (residency) works in the UK: A complete beginner’s guide 

Higher specialty training Cardiology programme structure

Once you complete core training, you can then apply for Cardiology training. This will now be combined with General Internal Medicine Training and will last 5 years.

  • First 3 years: Core Cardiology training
  • Last 2 years: Advanced sub-speciality training. This can include adolescent and adult congenital heart disease, advanced rhythm training, heart failure, imaging, or interventional cardiology. It is possible to combine some of the five areas but not all.

Most programmes involve rotating to different hospitals every 6-12 months.

You will be paid a salary while you are training.

Related: How much do doctors in specialty training (residency) earn in the UK?

Applying for core training

Whether you decide to apply for Internal Medicine Training (IMT) or Acute Medicine (ACCS-AM), the entry requirements are the same. The first year of a core training programme is designated CT1 for Core Training 1.

The basic requirements for both core training programmes are as follows:

    • Full GMC registration by the time you start CT1.
    • 24 months of clinical experience by the time you start ST1. For IMGs, this can consist of:
      • OPTION A: 2-year UK Foundation Programme
      • OPTION B: 1 year internship overseas + 1 year UK Standalone FY2
      • OPTION C: 1 year internship overseas + 1 year UK WAST
      • OPTION D: 1 year internship overseas + 1 year in any hospital-based acute specialty whether in the UK or overseas (UK experience is recommended)
    • Foundation competences

These are the basic requirements. Please see each programme’s ST1/CT1 person specifications for the full requirements.

There are experience limits for Acute Medicine. If you have more than 18 months post-internship experience in any medical specialty by the time you start CT1, then you will be deemed overqualified.

There are no experience limits for Internal Medicine. 

Passing all parts of MRCP does not make you overqualified to apply for core training.

Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.

Eg. If there are 50 posts for Internal Medicine, and 100 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.

Here are the competition ratios of the 3 programmes over the past 5 years:

Specialty20152016201720182019
Internal Medicine & ACCS Acute Medicine1.701.531.411.501.43

(Source)

I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.

For timelines, portfolio/CV requirements, and information about interviews, please visit the official websites:

If you have any questions about applying for core training, please email the relevant recruitment office: IMTrecruitment@hee.nhs.uk

Applying for higher specialty training (proper Cardiology)

Because Core Medicine used to be 2 years long, starting Cardiology training was technically the third year of training and therefore it was termed ST3. With the new 3 year-long Internal Medicine programme, it’s likely that this will change to ST4. For now, we’ll call it ST3 until it is officially changed to ST4.

CCT route

  • Currently in the final year of one of the accepted core training programmes or have previously completed one.
  • MRCP

CESR-CP route

    • Minimum 2 years adult medicine including minimum 12 months managing acute medical inpatients
    • Alternative Certificate of Core Competence
    • MRCP

These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST3 Cardiology person specifications for the full requirements.

One of the eligibility criteria for ST3, is that you are not already eligible for CESR Cardiology.

So if you already have extensive training and experience in Cardiology, eg. more than 10 years, it’s possible that the panel will decide you are overqualified for training. If this happens, you may be deemed ineligible for ST3 but we’ve not heard of this happening in real life.

Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.

Eg. If there are 150 posts for Cardiology, and 300 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.

Here are the competition ratios for ST3 Cardiology over the past 4 years:

 2016201720182019
Cardiology2.332.652.563.35

(Source)

I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.

For timelines, portfolio/CV requirements, and information about interviews, please visit the following links:

If you have any questions about applying for Cardiology, please email the recruitment office: st3medrecruitment@hee.nhs.uk

Is it difficult to get into UK Cardiology training?

Cardiology is considered highly competitive and used to be closed to IMGs unless you could find a way to work around the immigration rules. 

However, as of October 2019, immigration laws changed in a way that meant that UK graduates are no longer prioritised for training posts. This means that IMGs will be considered alongside UK graduates and the only determining factor of success, is the application score.

Related: 9 ways the new Shortage Occupation List affects IMGs dreaming of UK specialty training

How do I improve my chances of success?

Although Cardiology is competitive, it’s not impossible. As mentioned in the introduction, 17% of doctors in Cardiology training posts are currently IMGs. (Source)

To succeed with your application, you’ll need to maximise your application score.

There are 2 components to the application score:

  • Your CV/portfolio
  • Your interview performance

Do well in each of these areas and you will have a decent chance of landing a spot. Having 6 -12 months of experience in Cardiology prior to applying is a big plus as well. It looks good in your application and it will help you do well in the interview.

Related: 8 tips to succeed when applying for UK specialty training

GMC registration

So now you’ve decided on your long-term goal, you need to think about how you’re going to gain registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).

The GMC are the medical authority in the UK. To work as a doctor here, you need to be registered with them. There is no exemption to this no matter how much experience you have or where you come from. Every doctor working in the UK needs GMC registration.

How do you obtain GMC registration?

You’ll first need to create a GMC online account. You can find instructions on how to open an account here.

You’ll then need to submit an application for full registration. These are the requirements for an application:

  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET or other)
  • EPIC verification of your medical degree
  • +/- EPIC verification of your MRCP/ Overseas qualification (if you have one)
  • +/- Internship certificate (if going through the PLAB route)
  • +/- Certificate of good standing (if you are registered as a doctor anywhere else in the world)

Read more about the requirements for GMC registration in detail here.

On top of the above requirements, you need to provide proof of your clinical skills and knowledge. There are several options to do this for Cardiology:

The PLAB exam is set at the level of a doctor who has completed internship. It is most suitable for IMGs who have not yet completed postgraduate training in Anaesthesia, however, it can also be taken by those who are already specialists. In most cases, it is the quickest and least expensive route.

MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) is a postgraduate qualification for doctors who have completed a residency or specialist training in Internal Medicine. If you hold MRCP, then you can bypass PLAB.

If you apply for a job first without any of the above exams or qualifications, and you are accepted, then you may be able to bypass PLAB and gain GMC registration through the RCP sponsorship via the Medical Training Initiative (MTI).

You can gain GMC registration without PLAB if you hold overseas qualifications in Anaesthesia from the following places: Ireland, US, Australia & New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and the European Diploma.

If you have already been practising as a specialist for many years, you can try applying for direct recognition as a Consultant via the CESR route. This is a difficult and tedious process that can take years to complete, but it’s an option for IMGs who do not go through any of the other routes mentioned above. You can read more about it below under the section “Become a recognised UK Consultant Anaesthetist”

Finding a suitable first job

There are 2 main questions to consider when looking for a suitable first job.

  1. Do you have the right training and experience for the job?
    • You will find detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the job in the job description. Read these carefully to decide whether you are suited for the post.
  2. Will it lead to your long-term goal?
    • There is no point working in a job that will jeopardise your long-term goal.
    • It is best to clarify during interview whether a job will be supportive of your plans for CCT, CESR-CP, or CESR.

Related:

Recommended first jobs if you want to become a UK Consultant Cardiologist

You need to make sure you meet the 12-months post-internship requirement by the start of ST1 or CT1 in order to be eligible for core training. The options are Standalone FY2 or any non-training job at SHO level in any acute hospital-based specialty.

The important thing here is to make sure you meet the requirements for a core training alternative. You will also need to make sure that the job you work in, will provide opportunities to demonstrate all the skills listed in the Alternative Certificate of Core Competence. You will this certificate when applying for Cardiology.

If you have 1-2 years of experience after internship, you can look into SHO level jobs. If you have more than 2 years of experience you can either apply for SHO level jobs then step up to registrar level jobs after 6 months or so, or apply for registrar level jobs with an agreed initial adjustment period.

Related: The best first job in the UK for overseas doctors

If you have already completed Cardiology training overseas, you can apply for posts such as senior clinical fellow, registrar, and specialty doctor.

If you have worked as a specialist for many years, you can even apply for locum Consultant jobs. GMC specialist registration is not required for locum Consultant posts, only permanent posts.

It is best to work in a department that is supportive of your plan to pursue CESR. CESR is a long and tedious path that is almost impossible to succeed without the support of your workplace. Clarify whether a department will be supportive during the interview.

Visas and immigration

Most IMGs will need the General work visa (Tier 2). With this type of visa, you can bring your family to the UK as well. Family means spouse and children. It does not include parents, siblings or other relatives.

After 5 years in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, you can apply for permanent residence AKA Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

In short, the majority of IMGs who come to work in the UK, can gain British citizenship within 6 years.

Recommended books

Book a one-to-one session

We totally understand that this whole UK journey can all be quite confusing at first, we definitely felt that way when we first started! 

If you are looking for individual guidance for your personal circumstances, we offer IMG coaching calls that you can book at your convenience.
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Looking for a step-by-step guide?

Subscribe to the Savvy IMG and grab your FREE 2-year roadmap to UK residency as an IMG.

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Subscribe to the Savvy IMG and grab your FREE 2-year roadmap to UK residency as an IMG.

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28 Responses

  1. Hello,
    I am a graduate with being board certified in IM and fellowship in general cardiology.
    If apply for a fellowship will they give me tier 2 or 5 visa?

    Regards
    Hamm

    Reply

  2. Hi ! Thank you veru much for all the information.
    I’m an Argentinian Cardiologist, who would like to start a fellowship in the UK.
    The website cardiologyfellowship.co.uk is not working. Do you know if it chenged the adress??
    Thank you very much in advance,

    Soledad.

    Reply

    1. Hi there, sorry we’re not aware of any changes made to the address. It may just be down for some time, best to try again another day. Hope it comes back!

      Reply

  4. If I have mrcp and 10years experience in general cardiology and ccu is’t considered acute medicine experience also? Or I should go for acute medicine job first or GIM?

    Reply

    1. Hi there, I would think it is accepted! If you require further clarification, please email the ST3 recruitment office for confirmation.

      Reply

  5. GIM program is it after IMT that last for 3 years?
    How do recent fresh graduate IMG can get experience for 8 years to join the specialty? Does it mean after IMT, one has to work in non training job for another 5 years or how?
    Thank you for your clarification

    Reply

    1. Dear Steve, GIM is after IMT. GIM is combined with Cardiology training making it 5 years after IMT, total of 8 years. Recent graduates do not need 8 years in order to join Cardiology training, they join the training programme which is 8 years long. Please see the CCT route.

      Reply

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We use a third party server to host our website called BlueHost Inc. the privacy policy of which is available here: https://www.endurance.com/privacy/privacy

Our website server automatically logs the IP address you use to access our website as well as other information about your visit such as the pages accessed, information requested, the date and time of the request, the source of your access to our website (e.g. the website or URL (link) which referred you to our website), and your browser version and operating system.

Use of website server log information for IT security purposes

We collect and store server logs to ensure network and IT security and so that the server and website remain uncompromised. This includes analysing log files to help identify and prevent unauthorised access to our network, the distribution of malicious code, denial of services attacks and other cyber-attacks, by detecting unusual or suspicious activity.

Unless we are investigating suspicious or potential criminal activity, we do not make, nor do we allow our hosting provider to make, any attempt to identify you from the information collected via server logs.

Legal basis for processing: compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject (Article 6(1)(c) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legal obligation: we have a legal obligation to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk of our processing of information about individuals. Recording access to our website using server log files is such a measure.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: we have a legitimate interest in using your information for the purposes of ensuring network and information security.

Use of website server log information to analyse website use and improve our website

We use the information collected by our website server logs to analyse how our website users interact with our website and its features. For example, we analyse the number of visits and unique visitors we receive, the time and date of the visit, the location of the visit and the operating system and browser use.

We use the information gathered from the analysis of this information to improve our website. For example, we use the information gathered to change the information, content and structure of our website and individual pages based according to what users are engaging most with and the duration of time spent on particular pages on our website.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest: improving our website for our website users and getting to know our website users’ preferences so our website can better meet their needs and desires.

Cookies

Cookies are data files which are sent from a website to a browser to record information about users for various purposes.

We use cookies on our website, including essential, functional, analytical and targeting cookies. For further information on how we use cookies, please see our cookies policy.

You can reject some or all of the cookies we use on or via our website by changing your browser settings or non-essential cookies by using a cookie control tool, but doing so can impair your ability to use our website or some or all of its features. For further information about cookies, including how to change your browser settings, please visit www.allaboutcookies.org or see our cookie policy.

When you contact us

We collect and use information from individuals who contact us in accordance with this section and the section entitled Disclosure and additional uses of your information.

Email

When you send an email to the email address displayed on our website we collect your email address and any other information you provide in that email (such as your name, telephone number and the information contained in any signature block in your email).

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest(s): responding to enquiries and messages we receive and keeping records of correspondence.

Legal basis for processing: necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract: where your message relates to us providing you with goods or services or taking steps at your request prior to providing you with our goods and services (for example, providing you with information about such goods and services), we will process your information in order to do so).

Enquiry forms

When you contact us using an enquiry form, we collect your personal details and match this to any information we hold about you on record. Typical personal information collected will include your name and contact details. We will also record the time, date and the specific form you completed.

If you do not provide the mandatory information required by our contact form, you will not be able to submit the contact form and we will not receive your enquiry.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest(s): responding to enquiries and messages we receive and keeping records of correspondence.

We will also use this information to tailor any follow up sales and marketing communications with you. For further information, see the section of this privacy policy titled ‘Marketing Communications’.

Messages you send to us via our contact form may be stored outside the European Economic Area on our contact form provider’s servers.

Phone

When you contact us by phone, we collect your phone number and any information provide to us during your conversation with us.

We record customer-facing phone calls for training and customer service purposes.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation)

Legitimate interest(s): responding to enquiries and messages we receive and keeping records of correspondence.

Legal basis for processing: necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract: where your message relates to us providing you with goods or services or taking steps at your request prior to providing you with our goods and services (for example, providing you with information about such goods and services), we will process your information in order to do so).

Post

If you contact us by post, we will collect any information you provide to us in any postal communications you send us.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation)

Legitimate interest(s): responding to enquiries and messages we receive and keeping records of correspondence.

Legal basis for processing: necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract: where your message relates to us providing you with goods or services or taking steps at your request prior to providing you with our goods and services (for example, providing you with information about such goods and services), we will process your information in order to do so).

When you use our website

We collect and use information from individuals who interact with particular features of our website in accordance with this section and the section entitled Disclosure and additional uses of your information.

Social Media Tools

We have a wide range of social media tools to be able to use on our website. These tools include (but not limited to); Sharing, Likes, comments and submitting content both on and off our website. By using these tools, you are providing your consent to store and use the submitted data whether personal information or general information both on and off our website.

Legal basis for processing: your consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation). Consent: you give your consent to us storing and using submitted content using the steps described above.

We may also use this information to tailor any follow up sales and marketing communications with you. For further information, see the section of this privacy policy titled ‘Marketing Communications’.

Information you submit may be stored both inside and outside the European Economic Area on our servers as well as third-party servers such as Facebook.

For further information about the safeguards used when your information is transferred outside the European Economic Area.

Registering on our Website

When you register on our website or via teachable, we collect the following information; Your Name, Email.

If you do not provide the mandatory information required by the form, you will not be able to interact with our website or on Teachable.

You can view Teachable's privacy policy here https://teachable.com/privacy-policy

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest: registering and administering accounts on our website to provide access to content, allows you to download content and facilitates the running and operation of our business.

We will also use this information to tailor any follow up sales and marketing communications with you. For further information, see the section of this privacy policy titled ‘Marketing Communications’.

Transfer and storage of your information

Information you submit to us via the registration form on our website may be stored outside the European Economic Area on our third-party hosting provider’s servers.

Marketing communications

Our content, goods and services

When signing up for content, registering on our website or making a payment, we will use the information you provide in order to contact you regarding related content, products and services.

We will continue to send you marketing communications in relation to similar goods and services if you do not opt out from receiving them.

You can opt-out from receiving marketing communications at any time by emailing info@thesavvyimg.co.uk

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: Sharing relevant, timely and industry-specific information on related business services, in order to assist your organisation, grow.

Third party goods and services

In addition to receiving information about our products and services, you can opt in to receiving marketing communications from us in relation third party goods and services by email by ticking a box indicating that you would like to receive such communications.

Legal basis for processing: consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Consent: you give your consent to us sending you information about third party goods and services by signing up to receive such information in accordance with the steps described above.

Transfer and storage of your information

Information for marketing campaigns will be stored outside the European Economic Area on our third-party mailing list provider’s servers in the United States.

For further information about the safeguards used when your information is transferred outside the European Economic Area, see the section of this privacy policy below entitled Transfers of your information outside the European Economic Area.

Use of tracking in emails

We use technologies such as tracking pixels (small graphic files) and tracked links in the emails we send to allow us to assess the level of engagement our emails receive by measuring information such as the delivery rates, open rates, click through rates and content engagement that our emails achieve.

Information obtained from third parties

This section sets out how we obtain or collect information about you from third parties.

Information received from third parties

We can often receive information about you from third parties. The third parties from which we receive information about you can include partner events within the marketing industry and other organisations that we have a professional affiliation with.

It is also possible that third parties with whom we have had no prior contact may provide us with information about you.

Information we obtain from third parties will generally be your name and contact details but will include any additional information about you which they provide to us.

Legal basis for processing: necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract: where a third party has passed on information about you to us (such as your name and email address) in order for us to provide services to you, we will process your information in order to take steps at your request to enter into a contract with you and perform a contract with you (as the case may be).

Legal basis for processing: consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Consent: where you have asked that a third party to share information about you with us and the purpose of sharing that information is not related to the performance of a contract or services by us to you, we will process your information on the basis of your consent, which you give by asking the third party in question to pass on your information to us.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: where a third party has shared information about you with us and you have not consented to the sharing of that information, we will have a legitimate interest in processing that information in certain circumstances.

For example, we would have a legitimate interest in processing your information to perform our obligations under a sub-contract with the third party, where the third party has the main contract with you. Our legitimate interest is the performance of our obligations under our sub-contract.

Similarly, third parties may pass on information about you to us if you have infringed or potentially infringed any of our legal rights. In this case, we will have a legitimate interest in processing that information to investigate and pursue any such potential infringement.

Information obtained by us from third parties

In certain circumstances (for example, to verify the information we hold about you or obtain missing information we require to provide you with a service) we will obtain information about you from certain publicly accessible sources, both EU and non-EU, such as Companies House, online customer databases, business directories, media publications, social media, and websites (including your own website if you have one.

In certain circumstances will also obtain information about you from private sources, both EU and non-EU, such as marketing data services.

We will continue to send you marketing communications in relation to similar goods and services if you do not opt out from receiving them.

You can opt-out from receiving marketing communications at any time by emailing hello@thesavvyimg.co.uk

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: Sharing relevant, timely and industry-specific information on related business services.

Where we receive information about you in error

If we receive information about you from a third party in error and/or we do not have a legal basis for processing that information, we will delete your information.

Disclosure and additional uses of your information

This section sets out the circumstances in which will disclose information about you to third parties and any additional purposes for which we use your information.

Disclosure of your information to service providers

We use a number of third parties to provide us with services which are necessary to run our business or to assist us with running our business

These include the following: Internet services, IT service providers and web developers.

Our third-party service providers are located both inside and outside of the European Economic Area.

Your information will be shared with these service providers where necessary to provide you with the service you have requested, whether that is accessing our website or ordering goods and services from us.

We do not display the identities of our service providers publicly by name for security and competitive reasons. If you would like further information about the identities of our service providers, however, please contact us directly by email and we will provide you with such information where you have a legitimate reason for requesting it (where we have shared your information with such service providers, for example).

Legal basis for processing: legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest relied on: where we share your information with these third parties in a context other than where is necessary to perform a contract (or take steps at your request to do so), we will share your information with such third parties in order to allow us to run and manage our business efficiently.

Legal basis for processing: necessary to perform a contract and/or to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract: we may need to share information with our service providers to enable us to perform our obligations under that contract or to take the steps you have requested before we enter into a contract with you.

Disclosure and use of your information for legal reasons

Indicating possible criminal acts or threats to public security to a competent authority

If we suspect that criminal or potential criminal conduct has been occurred, we will in certain circumstances need to contact an appropriate authority, such as the police. This could be the case, for instance, if we suspect that we fraud or a cyber-crime has been committed or if we receive threats or malicious communications towards us or third parties.

We will generally only need to process your information for this purpose if you were involved or affected by such an incident in some way.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: preventing crime or suspected criminal activity (such as fraud).

In connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement our legal rights

We will use your information in connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement of our legal rights, including, for example, sharing information with debt collection agencies if you do not pay amounts owed to us when you are contractually obliged to do so. Our legal rights may be contractual (where we have entered into a contract with you) or non-contractual (such as legal rights that we have under copyright law or tort law).

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest: enforcing our legal rights and taking steps to enforce our legal rights.

In connection with a legal or potential legal dispute or proceedings

We may need to use your information if we are involved in a dispute with you or a third party for example, either to resolve the dispute or as part of any mediation, arbitration or court resolution or similar process.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest(s): resolving disputes and potential disputes.

How long we retain your information

This section sets out how long we retain your information. We have set out specific retention periods where possible. Where that has not been possible, we have set out the criteria we use to determine the retention period.

Retention periods

Server log information: we retain information on our server logs for 3 months.

Correspondence and enquiries: when you make an enquiry or correspond with us for any reason, whether by email or via our contact form or by phone, we will retain your information for as long as it takes to respond to and resolve your enquiry, and for 36 further month(s), after which point we will archive your information.

Newsletter: we retain the information you used to sign up for our newsletter for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Membership: we retain the information you used to sign up for our memberships for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Criteria for determining retention periods

In any other circumstances, we will retain your information for no longer than necessary, taking into account the following:

    • the purpose(s) and use of your information both now and in the future (such as whether it is necessary to continue to store that information in order to continue to perform our obligations under a contract with you or to contact you in the future);
    • whether we have any legal obligation to continue to process your information (such as any record-keeping obligations imposed by relevant law or regulation);
    • whether we have any legal basis to continue to process your information (such as your consent);
    • how valuable your information is (both now and in the future);
    • any relevant agreed industry practices on how long information should be retained;
    • the levels of risk, cost and liability involved with us continuing to hold the information;
    • how hard it is to ensure that the information can be kept up to date and accurate; and
    • any relevant surrounding circumstances (such as the nature and status of our relationship with you).

How we secure your information

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to secure your information and to protect it against unauthorised or unlawful use and accidental loss or destruction, including:

  • only sharing and providing access to your information to the minimum extent necessary, subject to confidentiality restrictions where appropriate, and on an anonymised basis wherever possible;
  • using secure servers to store your information;
  • verifying the identity of any individual who requests access to information prior to granting them access to information;
  • using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software to encrypt any payment transactions you make on or via our website;
  • only transferring your information via closed system or encrypted data transfers;

Transmission of information to us by email

Transmission of information over the internet is not entirely secure, and if you submit any information to us over the internet (whether by email, via our website or any other means), you do so entirely at your own risk.

We cannot be responsible for any costs, expenses, loss of profits, harm to reputation, damages, liabilities or any other form of loss or damage suffered by you as a result of your decision to transmit information to us by such means.

Transfers of your information outside the European Economic Area

Your information may be transferred and stored outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in the circumstances set out earlier in this policy.

We will also transfer your information outside the EEA or to an international organisation in order to comply with legal obligations to which we are subject (compliance with a court order, for example). Where we are required to do so, we will ensure appropriate safeguards and protections are in place.

Your rights in relation to your information

Subject to certain limitations on certain rights, you have the following rights in relation to your information, which you can exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

  • to request access to your information and information related to our use and processing of your information;
  • to request the correction or deletion of your information;
  • to request that we restrict our use of your information;
  • to receive information which you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format (e.g. a CSV file) and the right to have that information transferred to another data controller (including a third-party data controller);
  • to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes (for further information, see the section below entitled Your right to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes); and
  • to withdraw your consent to our use of your information at any time where we rely on your consent to use or process that information. Please note that if you withdraw your consent, this will not affect the lawfulness of our use and processing of your information on the basis of your consent before the point in time when you withdraw your consent.

In accordance with Article 77 of the General Data Protection Regulation, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or of an alleged infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Further information on your rights in relation to your personal data as an individual

You can find out further information about your rights, as well as information on any limitations which apply to those rights, by reading the underlying legislation contained in Articles 12 to 22 and 34 of the General Data Protection Regulation, which is available here:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/reform/files/regulation_oj_en.pdf

Verifying your identity where you request access to your information

Where you request access to your information, we are required by law to use all reasonable measures to verify your identity before doing so.

These measures are designed to protect your information and to reduce the risk of identity fraud, identity theft or general unauthorised access to your information.

How we verify your identity

Where we possess appropriate information about you on file, we will attempt to verify your identity using that information.

If it is not possible to identity you from such information, or if we have insufficient information about you, we may require original or certified copies of certain documentation in order to be able to verify your identity before we are able to provide you with access to your information.

We will be able to confirm the precise information we require to verify your identity in your specific circumstances if and when you make such a request.

Your right to object

You have the following rights in relation to your information, which you may exercise in the same way as you may exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

  • to object to us using or processing your information where we use or process it in order
  • to carry out a task in the public interest or for our legitimate interests, including ‘profiling’ (i.e. analysing or predicting your behaviour based on your information) based on any of these purposes; and
  • to object to us using or processing your information for direct marketing purposes(including any profiling we engage in that is related to such direct marketing).

You may also exercise your right to object to us using or processing your information for direct marketing purposes by:

  • clicking the unsubscribe link contained at the bottom of any marketing email we send to you and following the instructions which appear in your browser following your clicking on that link;
  • sending an email to info@thesavvyimg.co.uk, asking that we stop sending you marketing communications or by including the words “OPT OUT”.

Sensitive Personal Information

‘Sensitive personal information’ is information about an individual that reveals their racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic information, biometric information for the purpose of uniquely identifying an individual, information concerning health or information concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

Our website does not allow you to register any ‘Sensitive Information’, however if we ask for this, you will be considered to have explicitly consented to us processing that sensitive personal information under Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Changes to our Privacy Policy

We update and amend our Privacy Policy from time to time.

Minor changes to our Privacy Policy

Where we make minor changes to our Privacy Policy, we will update our Privacy Policy with a new effective date stated at the beginning of it. Our processing of your information will be governed by the practices set out in that new version of the Privacy Policy from its effective date onwards.

Major changes to our Privacy Policy or the purposes for which we process your information

Where we make major changes to our Privacy Policy or intend to use your information for a new purpose or a different purpose than the purposes for which we originally collected it, we will notify you by email (where possible) or by posting a notice on our website.

We will provide you with the information about the change in question and the purpose and any other relevant information before we use your information for that new purpose.

Wherever required, we will obtain your prior consent before using your information for a purpose that is different from the purposes for which we originally collected it.

Children’s Privacy

Because we care about the safety and privacy of children online, we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA). COPPA and its accompanying regulations protect the privacy of children using the internet. We do not knowingly contact or collect information from persons under the age of 18. The website is not intended to solicit information of any kind from persons under the age of 18.

It is possible that we could receive information pertaining to persons under the age of 18 by the fraud or deception of a third party. If we are notified of this, as soon as we verify the information, we will, where required by law to do so, immediately obtain the appropriate parental consent to use that information or, if we are unable to obtain such parental consent, we will delete the information from our servers. If you would like to notify us of our receipt of information about persons under the age of 18, please do so by contacting us by using the details at the top of this policy.