VBuddies
How Metaverse Tech Ltd Deals with Your Data

Whose data do we handle and store?

Metaverse Tech Ltd is a company registered in England. VBuddies is a platform developed by Metaverse Tech Ltd.

Metaverse Tech Ltd requests, handles and stores information provided by people wishing to work with us and those wanting to use our ‘VBuddies’platform. These include managerial, administrative and other staff wishing to work with the company, as well as students / language learners contacting and meeting up with their VBuddies.

Here we explain a) why we need your information, b) how it is used, c) who the information is disclosed to, d) what safeguarding measures are in place to protect it and e) what your rights are.

1. Managerial, administrative and other staff

​a. ​Why we need your information
 
With respect to applicants for advertised managerial, administrative and other positions with the company, we request the usual information required to assess initial suitability. Unsuccessful applicants who may however be suitable for a role in the company in the future may be asked if they are happy to allow us to archive the information they have provided and for us to contact them in the future if a potentially suitable position may arise. All information about unsuccessful applicants’ details, or about applicants whose information we are interested in maintaining but who do not wish us to do so, is securely erased from our records forthwith.
 
With respect to employees we require normal payroll data concerning the employees NI no., bank details etc., solely in order to carry out payments and comply with statutory regulations concerning HMRC etc.
 
As VBuddies is designed for safe use for young people under 18 we require robust safeguarding procedures to be implemented and a condition of your employment with us is satisfactory reference letters and your possession of an up to date ‘Enhanced DBS’ certificate.
 
b. How your information is used
 
All the information you provide is used ONLY to confirm your suitability to work with Metaverse Tech Ltd as a member of our team. 
 
c. Who your information is disclosed to
 
Your information is disclosed to the relevant company employee(s) dealing with the recruitment of staff. Under no circumstances is your information disclosed to any third party except in circumstances required a) for purposes demanded by law or b) formal accreditation procedures if appropriate. 
 
In the latter circumstance your information will only be available for viewing by inspectors from an appropriate accrediting body, and then only to the extent required to confirm the company’s adherence to the minimum standards required for any accreditation. Typically, this will extend to your CV, references and Enhanced DBS status.
 
d. Safeguarding measures to protect your information
 
All your information is stored on password protected, up to date company computers that have reliable antivirus, anti-hacking and malware protection. Any hard copies are kept in secure locked filing cabinets accessible only by the company directors.
 
e. Your rights
 
You are welcome to ask us to verify what information we are holding and to rectify or erase records, provided the erasure of records does not conflict with our statutory, regulatory, legal and accreditation obligations. 
 
We are committed to your right to privacy and in the event of any concerns in this regard we confirm our readiness to actively seek to remedy any such anxieties immediately upon being informed. Also see the link to the Information Commissioner’s Office given below.
 
2. Students / Learners
 
           a. Why we need your information
 
We require the normal academic background information needed to assess initial suitability for access to the VBuddies platform and the creation of your user account. All personal identifying information will be securely erased from our records if requested by the student / learner should the student / learner confirm closure of their account.
 
All other information we require is directly related to safety and welfare considerations, such as parental / guardian consent etc. 
 
b. How it is used
 
All the information you provide is used ONLY to confirm your suitability to participate successfully and safely in using the VBuddies platform for its specified purpose.
 
c. Who your information is disclosed to
 
Your information is disclosed to the relevant company employee(s) dealing with the opening of user accounts. Under no circumstances is your information disclosed to any third party except in circumstances required for the purpose of enhancing your experience with the platform, your safety and welfare, accreditation requirements (see below) or as demanded by law.
 
An aggregated version of users’ backgrounds may be shared, for example with technical or pedagogical consultants, for the purpose of better tailoring the VBuddies platform to our users’ needs.
 
Your information may also need to be made available for viewing by inspectors from an accrediting body, but then only to the extent required to confirm our adherence to the minimum standards required for any such accreditation. Typically, this will extend to your application form and academic background only.
 
d. Safeguarding measures to protect your information
 
All your information is stored on password protected, up to date company computers that have reliable antivirus and anti-hacking protection. Any hard copies are kept in secure locked filing cabinets accessible only by the company directors.
 
e. Your rights
 
You are welcome to ask us to verify what information we are holding and to rectify or erase records, provided the erasure of records does not conflict with our statutory, regulatory, legal and accreditation obligations. 
 
We are committed to your right to privacy and in the event of any concerns in this regard we confirm our readiness to actively seek to remedy any such anxieties immediately upon being informed. Also see the link to the Information Commissioner’s Office given below.
 
3. The Information Commissioner’s Office
 
As well as our formal complaints procedure (and, failing that, an accreditor’s complaints procedure if applicable) if we still cannot satisfy your anxieties about how we store and / or use your personal data, you should refer to the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/ - though we are confident that this will not be necessary. You can also find our details on the ICO register.
 
Should you have any questions or concerns with regard to the information we hold about you and / or our compliance with relevant data protection legal requirements, please contact the company at ‘FAO: Dr Jonathan Fearon-Jones’ directly via:
              Post:  Metaverse Tech Ltd, 1 & 2 Thorley Hall Stables, Thorley, Bishops Stortford,      

Hertfordshire, UK CM23 4BE  
              or 
 Email:  support@vbuddies.world