Introduction

Argon’s Privacy Policy below outlines the type of data we collect along with how we use, store and protect your data.  We want you to be fully informed about your rights. We may need to update this policy from time to time. The latest version is available on our website: https://www.argon-intl.com/privacy-policy/

Argon International Solutions Ltd (Argon) is a recruitment consultancy based in the UK and is fully compliant with all UK GDPR regulations and the Data Protection Act. In offering our services, Argon must process personal data and in doing so Argon acts a data controller.

Should you have any questions or queries in relation to who Argon are or the data practices in place, please contact Carlie Qirem – carlie@argon-intl.com / 1 King William Street, London, EC4N 7AF

Information Collection

Argon collects information and data pertaining to certain individuals and organisations.

For the purposes of clarification, the term “individual” relates to any Candidate, Contact or Client (both existing and potential) and all known associates who aid the recruitment and search process Argon uses, which is at the core of the company’s business function. Where Contacts and Clients are concerned this information may be limited to contact information or information pertaining to speculative, potential or real assignments. For a Candidate the type of data collected may include but is not limited to personal and sensitive information, including employment history, references, contact details, background checks, visa and identity checks.

Data is mainly collected through direct contact and communication with individuals and companies. Initial stage contact information may be gathered from word of mouth, direct research, referrals or social media platforms.

Specialist third party suppliers may be used to perform crucial services such as background screening and criminal checks. This type of information gathering is undertaken with full permission of the involved parties and actioned under GDPR guidelines.

The following outlines our definition of personal and sensitive information

Personal information – Definition

This means information about personal circumstances, including qualifications, work experience, references i.e., opinions about work performance and other information obtained by us in connection with possible work placements.

Sensitive information – Definition

This means more private information, including memberships i.e., trade/professional associations/unions, medical, criminal records etc.

Sensitive information usually requires explicit consent from the individual to be shared.

At any time, Argon may collect and process the following data:

• Argon may keep a record of communication this may include email, phone/video conversation and LinkedIn messages, as well as other forms not disclosed here.
• Any documentation or data/information required by law to keep on record.

Argon will not usually seek sensitive information, however if the individual has chosen to provide it, this will not be shared without their permission and treated as strictly confidential.

CV and Information Submission

If an individual applies to become one of Argon’s potential Candidates or requests to be considered for positions (both present or future roles), we will collect, process and store the data/information given to us for recruitment-related purposes.

Upon CV submission Argon collects the personal data given to be used for the following purposes and collate that with additional data obtained from interactions, communications, other third parties and data available in the public domain.

Personal Data Usage

Personal information collected specifically for Candidates is used for recruiting purposes. This data may be used to select, assess and present Candidates for opportunities based on their preferences.

For the purposes of placements and high-level interview stages, certain information may be kept on record to comply with UK employment regulations and anti-fraud guidance.

Argon uses Candidate information as part of the recruitment processes. This may include:

• Consideration for prospect and potential roles they may be suitable for.
• Presentation to a Client.
• Onboarding of a Candidate/Consultancy to begin work with a client.
• An assessment of ongoing performance.
• To keep them informed of any possible work opportunities.
• Communication to keep individuals updated on information and services about Argon which may be relevant to them.
• To provide assistance with recruitment consultancy services.

Personal and/or sensitive information may be disclosed to:

• Any person with a lawful entitlement to obtain the information.
• Potential Clients of Argon (Employers).
• Referees
• Screening companies – with prior arranged permission to do so.

We may also use details to send you items which may interest you, for example newsletters, industry reports, e-books and any information on any relevant news or events.

Data may be used for internal reporting purposes where the information and final results have been anonymised.

Legal Basis for Processing Data

Data is held on a combination of legitimate interest and contractual obligation.

Initial stage contact information is held on grounds of legitimate interest although this information is not kept longer than is required.

The holding of data for established Candidates, Clients and Contacts is done so with a combination of legitimate interest and contractual obligation. Personal data is required to be processed by Argon by Law and/or to comply with contractual requirements.

The using of relevant data to present Candidates to Clients is done so with legitimate interest.

All information relating to existing Jobs, Assignments and Placements is retained on the ground of legitimate interest, although contractual obligation is also relevant.

For marketing purposes, we rely on legitimate interest to contact you with items we believe that may be of interest or helpful.  You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by emailing hello@argon-intl.com

Data Security

Data Storage

Argon is a data controller using data processors to store information. The data processors being employed by Argon are all GDPR compliant and have signed contracts in place to ensure continued compliance.

All data given to Argon is stored centrally in password protected and secure cloud-based systems, where central control is given to company administrators. In the event of a security breach or loss of data etc Argon is able to lock out systems and/or retrieve missing data.

Argon is a paper free organisation with IT providers to monitor hardware and ensure good data practices.

All employees working for Argon are required to undertake GDPR training to ensure compliance with regulations and all third-party providers who require data as part of a specific process have been verified and confirmed alignment with GDPR regulations.

For business operations purposes data may be stored for normal working practices. All service providers with access to data are GDPR compliant and all platforms used are secure.

Sharing of Personal Data

All personal and sensitive data is confidential and is treated as such.

Where Argon must share data and information with Clients (with regard to Candidates) this is communicated and transferred using secure channels. All Clients working in conjunction with Argon have GDPR policies in place to ensure the safety and security of all data that may be shared.

Where we share data with our essential service providers, standard procedures are in place to ensure the security and privacy of all data shared.

Data sharing processes and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure the most secure methods are utilised. All Argon employees are trained and monitored to ensure compliance with Argon’s data sharing policies.

Overseas Transfers

Argon may transfer data to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to enable us to provide our Services to Clients and Candidates. We will take adequate steps to ensure that necessary protections are in place to ensure the safety of the data.

Archiving and Deletion of Data

Data stored on Argon’s systems is only kept as long as is deemed necessary or for it to be of value to the Candidate, the Client or Argon in terms of the recruitment process. Out of date or inaccurate information will be deemed irrelevant or harmful to Argon’s recruitment processes and will either be updated or deleted subject to review.

Argon may keep specific data types for set periods of time depending on what format the data is in. Specifically, information such as CVs and References although this may extend to other data types. This may relate to Contacts, Clients or Candidates and will be automatically removed when that set time frame has expired. These different data types and the time frame they are kept for are subject to review by Argon, in alignment with GDPR recommendations.

Data Access – Individual Rights to Access and Deletion

Right to be Informed 

An individual has the right to be provided with clear, transparent and easily understandable information about how we use your data and your legal rights.

Right to Access

The right to access means that an individual Argon holds data on, can view and access all information pertaining to them at any time.

Argon has 30 days to comply with an initial request and provide the individual with a copy of all data stored about them. In the interest of security, we may ask that they verify their identity.

To trigger this process please send an email to hello@argon-intl.com. Argon will fulfil the request by sending copies electronically to the address the request was made from.

Right to Correction and Deletion

Should an individual believe that there are inaccuracies in the information Argon holds about them, they are welcome to get in contact for the purposes of correcting it.

An individual has the right to request Argon deletes their personal data in certain instances. The data must meet one of the following criteria:

• The data is no longer necessary for the purpose for which we originally collected and/or processed
• The data has been processed unlawfully i.e., in a manner which does not comply with the GDPR
• It’s a requirement for the data to be erased for Argon to comply with our legal obligations as a data controller
• If Argon processes the data because we believe it necessary to do so for our legitimate interests, you object to the processing and, Argon is unable to demonstrate overriding legitimate grounds for our continued processing.
• Argon would only be entitled to refuse to comply with your request for one of the following reasons:
  • To exercise the right of freedom of expression and information
  • To comply with legal obligations or for the performance of a public interest task or exercise of official authority
  • For public health reasons in the public interest
  • For archival, research or statistical purposes
  • To exercise or defend a legal claim

When complying with a valid request for the erasure of data we will take all necessary steps to delete the relevant data.

Right to Object

An individual has the right to object to certain types of processing, including processing for marketing purposes. If your objection relates to Argon processing your personal data because we deem it necessary for your legitimate interests, we must act on your objection by ceasing the activity in question unless:

• Argon can demonstrate that we have compelling legitimate grounds for processing which overrides your interests
• Argon is processing your data for the establishment, exercise or defence of a legal claim.

Right to Restrict

An individual has the right to request that Argon restricts the processing of their personal data in certain instances. This means that Argon can only continue to store your data and will not be able to carry out any further processing activities until either:

• One of the circumstances outlined below is resolved
• The individual gives consent
• Further processing is necessary for either the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, the protection of the rights of another individual, or reasons of important EU or Member State public interest

Right of Data Portability

An individual has the right to obtain the data that Argon holds for their own purposes. To allow an individual to exercise these rights, Argon will provide them with their data in a commonly used machine-readable format.

Should an individual wish to exercise anu of these rights, please contact in writing to hello@argon-intl.com

Please note that Argon may retain a record of your communications to help us resolve any issues which you raise.

Website

Website and Data Usage

By visiting the Argon International website personal information is not given out and can be visited without giving away personal information. Argon do keep track of anonymous traffic data.

Argon may use Cookies and Analytics tools to improve user experience or service, in order to analyse how the website is being used.

If IP addresses are tracked for the purposes of analytics this is mostly anonymous traffic data which includes browser information, device information and languages. This is not used to profile who will use our website or for any additional purpose other than an overview of how the website is being used.

Website IP Addresses and Cookies

Cookies may be used to receive information about general internet usage. Cookies may be installed on the hard drive of a user’s computer. This will help to improve this website to enable users to have a more personalised experience and service. Cookies may be refused at any time. This can be done when prompted to accept Cookies or through browser settings. If Cookies are refused or blocked, this may result in the user not being able to access certain parts of this website.

Should you wish to contact Argon or ask about anything in this Privacy Policy please use the contact details below.

Argon International Solutions Ltd

1, Waterside,
Station Rd,
Harpenden,
AL5 4US
United Kingdom

Email – hello@argon-intl.com

Should you feel our response is not adequate, you can contact the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) about us, their postal address is Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF, or you can call them on 0303 123 1113