Vertex Learning Solutions (“Vertex”, “VLS”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what personal data we collect through vls-online.com and our learning platform, why we collect it, how we use it, who we may share it with, and the rights available to you under applicable UK data protection law.
- We only collect the data we need to deliver your courses and tutor support.
Who we are
Vertex Learning Solutions is the data controller responsible for your personal data. We provide online exam-preparation courses for ACCA, CIMA, CMA (USA) and CIA qualifications. If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your information, you can reach our data protection contact using the details at the end of this page.
We are registered with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and process personal data in line with UK data protection law.
Information we collect
We collect personal data that you give us directly, data generated as you use our platform, and a limited amount of technical data collected automatically.
| Category | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Account details | Your name, email address, country and the qualification you're studying. |
| Payment data | Billing details processed securely by our payment provider — we don't store full card numbers. |
| Learning activity | Courses enrolled, lesson progress, quiz and mock-exam results. |
| Support messages | Questions and messages you send us, including via your WhatsApp study group. |
| Technical data | Device type, browser, and anonymised usage data via cookies (see section 9). |
How we use your data
We use your personal data to:
- Create and manage your account and give you access to your courses.
- Provide tutor support, weekly live classes and feedback on your progress.
- Process payments and send you the receipts and confirmations you need.
- Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support.
- Improve our courses, platform and learning experience.
- Send you service updates, and — only with your consent — marketing about new courses.
Legal bases for processing
We rely on different legal bases depending on the purpose: <strong>performance of a contract</strong> to deliver the courses you enrol in; <strong>consent</strong> for optional marketing, which you can withdraw at any time; <strong>legitimate interests</strong> to improve and secure our services; and <strong>legal obligation</strong> where we're required to keep records, for example for tax.
International transfers
As our students and providers are based around the world, your data may be processed outside the UK or EEA. Where it is, we put appropriate safeguards in place — such as the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or Standard Contractual Clauses — so your data receives an equivalent level of protection.
How long we keep it
We keep your personal data only for as long as needed for the purposes set out in this policy. Account and learning data are retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards; some records are kept longer where the law requires it. When data is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have a number of rights over your personal data. You can exercise any of these by contacting us.
Access the data we hold about you Correct inaccurate information Request erasure of your data Restrict or object to processing Receive a portable copy of your data Withdraw consent at any time You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the ICO if you believe we have not handled your data properly — though we'd always appreciate the chance to put things right first.
Your rights at a glance
Data security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit, access controls and secure, monitored hosting. While no online service can be completely risk-free, we work hard to keep your information safe and review our measures regularly.
Children's privacy
Our courses are designed for working professionals and students pursuing professional qualifications. They are not directed at children, and we do not knowingly collect data from anyone under the age at which they can lawfully consent. If you believe a child has provided us with data, please contact us and we will remove it.
Changes & contact
We may update this policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we'll update the date at the top of the page and, where appropriate, let you know directly. Please check back occasionally so you're aware of how we're protecting your data.
Contact our data protection team and we'll respond as quickly as we can.