Client Contract
Dear Client
You have asked for debt advice from West Lancashire Debt Advice. This agreement is to help you understand how we can best work together as well as the way we collect, use and store your personal data. All advice offered by West Lancashire Debt Advice is free and unconditional and will be tailored to your individual needs.
Data collection and storage
All information obtained by West Lancashire Debt Advice about you and your circumstances will remain confidential to West Lancashire Debt Advice and CMA's support staff (for case management and file auditing purposes).
All paperwork will be locked away when not in use and any electronic records securely stored in full compliance of data protection legislation. You are free to see a copy of your case notes and correspondence at any time and your adviser will provide paper copies on request. We would normally store your personal data for a period of six years. However, you can request that your data be amended, deleted and/or destroyed subject to any legal restrictions. The details of your creditors will be revealed to other creditors on production of the financial statement.
Your personal information and financial circumstances will only be disclosed to third parties with your written consent, unless requested by the process of law, e.g. if you reveal that you may be about to cause or have already caused, harm to yourself or others. In such circumstances, we may contact the police, Social Services, health workers, or other relevant professionals. If possible, we will inform you of the action we intend to take. If you would like further information about data protection and confidentiality, please ask to see a copy of West Lancashire Debt Advice Security Policy and Privacy Notice.
Referrals
If, after discussing your situation, we feel it would be suitable to refer you to another agency for assistance, we will seek your written authorisation before contacting or releasing personal information to them.
Initial Interview
The initial interview may last up to one and a half hours, during which time follow up appointments will be made as necessary. Following the initial interview, you will be sent a confirmation of advice letter via your chosen method of correspondence, outlining what was discussed and any actions that were agreed. Following subsequent appointments, agreed actions will be given to you in written form.
Credit Rating
As a result of our involvement with your case, your credit rating may be adversely affected. This is because the credit rating agencies will become aware of your financial situation.
Termination of advice
As a client, you have the right to terminate the debt advice service you receive from us at any stage. However, in such circumstances, we would ask you to give us as much notice as possible. Our debt advice service may also be terminated if: