Data Protection

As an Approved Program Provider (APP) of WSET qualifications, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is committed to handling personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is the Data Controller for the personal data it collects from candidates. This policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights candidates have over their data.

What We Collect

To register a candidate for a WSET course or qualification, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy collects the following personal data: name, date of birth, gender, email address, and mailing address. We may also collect payment details, course progress records, exam results, and the content of any communications sent to us.

Why We Collect It

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy collects and processes personal data to:

  • register candidates with WSET and administer their qualifications
  • deliver course content and communicate with candidates
  • process course payments
  • meet our legal and regulatory obligations as a WSET APP
  • investigate complaints, appeals, or potential malpractice
  • protect our rights, candidates, and the integrity of our service

Who We Share It With

The primary recipient of a candidate’s personal data is WSET. To register a candidate for a WSET course or qualification, the following information is required: name, date of birth, gender, and email address. A candidate’s data may also be shared with WSET to:

  • send course information
  • administer exams, including reasonable adjustments and special considerations
  • issue results and certificates
  • provide post-results services such as enquiries against results and appeals
  • investigate potential maladministration, malpractice, or other non-compliance

Data transferred to WSET is handled in accordance with the WSET Privacy and Cookie Policy. Because WSET is based in the United Kingdom, registration involves the transfer of personal data from the United States to the UK.

Personal data may also be accessible to Slate Wine & Spirits Academy Course Educators, administrators, and approved third-party processors (including payment processors, email delivery providers, and hosting providers) strictly as needed to deliver our service. A current list of third-party processors is available on request.

How Long We Keep It

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy retains candidate personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes above and to meet WSET record-keeping requirements.

Course Communications

Registering for a course places candidates on course-related communications (exam information, schedule updates, results, and session announcements) and on our continuing-education list for future WSET qualifications. Candidates may unsubscribe from continuing-education emails at any time using the link in any such email.

Your Rights

Candidates have the right to:

  • request access to the personal data Slate Wine & Spirits Academy holds about them
  • request correction of inaccurate personal data
  • request deletion of their personal data where there is no legitimate reason for us to continue holding it
  • object to or restrict the processing of their personal data in certain circumstances
  • withdraw consent for continuing-education communications at any time

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will respond to any request to exercise these rights within 30 calendar days.

How to Contact Us

To exercise any of the rights above, or to ask a question about this policy, contact Lee Pancake, Academy Principal, at lee@slatewineacademy.com.

Complaints

A candidate who is unhappy with how Slate Wine & Spirits Academy has handled their personal data may raise a complaint under our Complaints & Appeals Policy.

Security

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy takes appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction of personal data. These measures include access controls, secure storage, and the use of reputable third-party processors.

In the event of a personal data breach likely to result in significant risk to candidates, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy will notify affected candidates without undue delay and take reasonable steps to contain the breach and prevent recurrence.

Related Policies

Last reviewed: April 2026.