Terms of Use, Privacy & Cookies Policy

UPDATED JANUARY 2026

1. TERMS OF USE

1.1 INTRODUCTION
These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of www.directorslibrary.com (“the Site”), operated by DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY® (“we”, “us”, “our”). By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use.

We may update these Terms occasionally. The “Updated” date above reflects the most recent version.

1.2 USE OF THE WEBSITE
You may use the Site for lawful, personal, non-commercial purposes only. You agree not to:

• Copy, reproduce, or redistribute content without permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the Site’s operation
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems or data
• Use the Site for harmful, fraudulent, or unlawful purposes

We reserve the right to suspend or restrict access for misuse or violations of these Terms.

1.3 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All content on the Site—including editorial selections, original writing, curation, graphics, branding, layout, and supporting materials—is owned by DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY® or its contributors, and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

Except where otherwise stated:

• You may view content for personal use
• You may not republish, adapt, or distribute content without permission
• You may not use our trademarks or logo without written consent

1.4 THIRD-PARTY CONTENT & LINKS
The Site may include external links, embedded media (including Vimeo and YouTube), and widgets or forms from third-party providers. We do not control or endorse this content and are not responsible for its accuracy, availability, or practices.

1.5 NEWSLETTER & SUBSCRIPTION FEATURES
By subscribing to newsletters (via Mailchimp, Beehiiv, or similar services), you agree to:

• Provide accurate information
• Subscribe only using your own email address
• Receive communications relevant to DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY®, including editorial updates and announcements

You may unsubscribe at any time via the link included in any email.

1.6 DISCLAIMER
The Site is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. We do not guarantee uninterrupted operation, content availability, or the performance of third-party embeds or services.

1.7 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY® shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential damages, loss of data, loss of profits, or disruptions arising from the use of the Site or from third-party services.

1.8 USER SUBMISSIONS
If you submit content, feedback, or ideas to us, you grant DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY® a non-exclusive licence to use, reproduce, and adapt the material for editorial and platform-related purposes. You confirm that you own or control the rights to any material you submit.

1.9 GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

1.10 CONTACT (TERMS)
DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY®
Email: desk (at) directorslibrary.com

2. PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY

2.1 INTRODUCTION
We are committed to transparency and to protecting your personal data. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and how cookies operate in accordance with UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and PECR.

2.2 DATA WE COLLECT

A. INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE DIRECTLY

• Email newsletter sign-ups (Mailchimp, Beehiiv)
• Contact form submissions
• Getsitecontrol widget responses
• Any voluntary messages or interactions

B. AUTOMATICALLY COLLECTED DATA

• IP address (short-term, for security purposes)
• Browser and device type
• Pages visited and referral sources
• Performance diagnostics

C. ANALYTICS DATA (CONSENT REQUIRED)
Google Analytics collects aggregated, non-identifying usage data such as page views, session duration, navigation patterns, and approximate regional location. We do not use analytics data for advertising, profiling, or automated decision-making.

D. THIRD-PARTY EMBEDDED SERVICES
Interactions with embedded services such as Vimeo, YouTube, Mailchimp, Beehiiv, or Getsitecontrol may involve additional data collection under their respective privacy policies. Non-essential embeds load only after consent has been given.

2.3 HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

A. OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE SITE

• Secure hosting (AWS and CloudFront)
• Content management (WordPress)
• Page delivery and caching

B. COMMUNICATE WITH YOU

• Send newsletters
• Respond to enquiries
• Manage subscription preferences

C. IMPROVE THE PLATFORM
Analytics data (where consent has been provided) helps us understand performance and improve user experience.

D. PROTECT THE SITE

• Prevent abuse or security breaches
• Maintain operational and security logs

2.4 LEGAL BASES FOR PROCESSING

• Consent — newsletters, analytics, and embedded services
• Legitimate Interest — site security and essential operations
• Contract — responding to enquiries
• Legal Obligation — compliance with applicable laws

2.5 DATA RETENTION

• Newsletter data — retained until you unsubscribe
• Contact submissions — retained until the enquiry is resolved
• Hosting and security logs — retained for 30–90 days
• Analytics — retained in accordance with Google Analytics retention settings

2.6 THIRD-PARTY PROVIDERS
We work with the following service providers:

• Google Analytics
• Vimeo / YouTube
• Mailchimp
• Beehiiv
• Getsitecontrol
• AWS / CloudFront
• WordPress (core software and plugins)

2.7 COOKIES
We use the following categories of cookies:

A. STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

• WordPress functional cookies (wp_*)
• AWS / CloudFront cookies (AWSALB, AWSALBCORS)
• Cookie banner preference storage (cookie_consent)
• Getsitecontrol operational and functional cookies

B. ANALYTICS COOKIES (CONSENT REQUIRED)

• _ga, ga* — usage analytics
• _gid — visitor distinction
• _gat — request throttling

C. FUNCTIONAL & PERFORMANCE COOKIES (CONSENT REQUIRED)

• Vimeo: vuid, player cookies
• YouTube: VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE, YSC
• Mailchimp / Beehiiv: form session cookies
• Getsitecontrol: widget cookies

2.8 COOKIE CONSENT OPTIONS
Our cookie banner allows you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences. You may change your settings at any time via the “Change Cookie Settings” link in the site footer.

2.9 MANAGING COOKIES IN YOUR BROWSER
You can block or delete cookies through your browser settings (including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge). Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect site functionality.

2.10 INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Where third-party providers operate outside the UK or EU, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent mechanisms.

2.11 YOUR RIGHTS
You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Request data portability

2.12 CHILDREN
The Site is not intended for individuals under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

2.13 UPDATES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this page periodically to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements.

2.14 CONTACT (PRIVACY & COOKIES)
DIRECTORS’ LIBRARY®
Email: desk (at) directorslibrary.com