Legal
Privacy Policy
Version 0.1-draft · Effective 23 June 2026
Draft — pending legal sign-off
This is placeholder copy for review. It is not legal advice and will be replaced with finalised text before public launch.
Forge Up helps people aged 14–18 in the UK explore skilled trades, careers and apprenticeships. This policy explains what personal data we collect, why, and the rights you (and, where relevant, your parent or guardian) have over it.
Who we areDraft
Data we collect
We collect the following, depending on how you use Forge Up:
- Account details — name, email address and the role you sign up as (student, academy or school).
- Profile information — details you choose to add, such as your location (postcode area) to find nearby opportunities.
- Activity — quizzes you take, trades and careers you save, and opportunities you view, so we can give you relevant recommendations.
- Technical data — basic information your browser sends (such as device and approximate location) and cookies, as described below.
Why we use your data (lawful basis)Draft
Under UK GDPR we rely on the following lawful bases. The final mapping is subject to DPO review:
- Consent — for optional cookies and any marketing. Because our users are minors, consent is handled with particular care (see below).
- Performance of a contract — to create and run your account and provide the service you signed up for.
- Legitimate interests — to keep the platform safe, secure and working well, balanced against your rights.
Users under 18 and parental consentDraft
Forge Up is designed for young people aged 14–18. We aim to keep data collection to the minimum needed and to present choices in clear, age-appropriate language.
Where the law requires it, we will seek verifiable parental or guardian consent before collecting certain data or before a younger user can use specific features. The exact age thresholds and verification method are pending legal sign-off.
Cookies
We use a small number of cookies to keep you signed in and to remember your preferences. Optional analytics cookies are only set with your consent via the cookie banner, which you can change at any time. You can also control cookies through your browser settings.
How long we keep your dataDraft
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal data, to object to certain processing, and to data portability. You can also withdraw consent at any time where we rely on it.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s data protection regulator.