Privacy Policy – Vertex Advisory

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Vertex Advisory (“we”, “our”, “us”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data when you visit our website (the “Site”) or engage our contractor payroll, umbrella company, and income‑optimisation services.

By using the Site, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.

2. Who We Are

Vertex Advisory is an Irish contractor payroll and advisory firm supporting independent professionals across IT, engineering, construction, finance, and related sectors.

We act as a Data Controller for personal data collected through our Site and during contractor onboarding.

3. Data We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

• Identity Data — name, date of birth, PPS number, identification documents
• Contact Data — email address, phone number, postal address
• Contractor Data — CV details, contract information, client engagement details
• Payroll & Financial Data — bank details, payment records, tax information
• Technical Data — IP address, browser type, device information, cookies
• Communication Data — emails, queries, onboarding messages

We collect data directly from you, from your employer/client (where applicable), and through automated technologies on the Site.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process personal data for the following purposes:

• Contractor onboarding and identity verification
• Payroll processing and payment administration
• Income optimisation and advisory services
• Compliance with Irish tax and employment regulations
• Responding to enquiries and providing customer support
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Legal and regulatory obligations

All processing is carried out in accordance with GDPR lawful bases, including contract, legal obligation, and legitimate interest.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We rely on the following legal bases:

• Contractual necessity — to deliver payroll and advisory services
• Legal obligation — to comply with Irish tax, employment, and regulatory requirements
• Legitimate interests — to operate, improve, and secure our services
• Consent — for optional marketing communications

6. How We Share Your Data

We may share personal data with:

• Irish Revenue Commissioners
• Your contracting agency or employer (where relevant)
• Payroll and accounting partners
• Professional advisers (legal, tax, compliance)
• IT service providers supporting our systems

We do not sell personal data. Any third‑party processing is governed by GDPR‑compliant Data Processing Agreements.

7. International Transfers

If personal data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards such as:

• EU Standard Contractual Clauses
• Adequacy decisions
• GDPR‑compliant security measures

8. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy, including:

• Payroll and tax records — typically 6 years (Irish statutory requirement)
• Contractor onboarding documents — duration of engagement + statutory retention
• Website analytics — short‑term aggregated retention

When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the following rights:

• Access — request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification — correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure — request deletion where legally permissible
• Restriction — limit processing in certain circumstances
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured format
• Objection — object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent — for marketing communications

To exercise your rights, contact us using the details provided on the Site.

10. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our Site uses cookies to:

• Improve performance
• Analyse website traffic
• Enhance user experience

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

11. Data Security

We implement technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

• Encrypted data storage
• Secure payroll systems
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security reviews

Despite these measures, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

12. Third‑Party Links

The Site may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third‑party sites you visit.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates take effect immediately upon posting on the Site. Continued use of the Site indicates acceptance of the updated Policy.

14. Contact Information

For questions, data requests, or concerns, please contact Vertex Advisory using the details provided on the Site.