This Privacy Policy explains how Benchmark ("Benchmark", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data when you use the Benchmark platform and related services ("Platform").
What we collect depends on how you use Benchmark. Visitors to this website and users of the free demo mock operate as guests and have minimal data collected. Registered users of the full platform have additional data processed as set out below.
Benchmark is a trading name of ALWD Limited, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 14458561, whose registered office is at 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX. You can contact us by email: app@benchmark.ac.
For the purposes of UK data protection law, ALWD Limited is the data controller of personal data we process about website visitors, guest users of the free mock, and holders of Benchmark accounts. Where a training provider uses Benchmark to administer examinations to its own students, that provider is the data controller of its students' personal data and examination submissions, and ALWD Limited acts as a data processor on the provider's behalf and on its documented instructions.
If you visit this website or use the free mock without creating an account, we collect:
If you create an account on the Benchmark platform, we additionally collect:
We may collect standard technical information including IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system in connection with platform security and the services described above.
Where AI-assisted feedback is used, submitted exam content may be processed through third-party AI providers to generate that feedback.
We use personal data to:
Under UK GDPR, we rely on the following legal bases where applicable:
Our legitimate interests include operating, securing, improving, and administering the Platform.
Benchmark may provide optional AI-assisted marking or feedback tools through third-party providers.
Content submitted to these features may be processed externally for the purpose of generating feedback or analysis.
AI-generated outputs may be inaccurate or incomplete and are provided for educational and informational purposes only.
We may share personal data with:
We do not sell personal data to third parties.
Some third-party providers may process data outside the United Kingdom, including in the United States.
Where such transfers occur, Benchmark relies on transfer mechanisms recognised under UK data protection law, including the UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA), standard contractual clauses, or transfers to countries deemed adequate by the UK Secretary of State.
Further information about the safeguards applied to international transfers is available on request.
We retain personal data only for as long as reasonably necessary. Indicative retention periods are as follows:
Retention periods may be extended where required for legal proceedings, regulatory compliance, or dispute resolution.
On account deletion, personal data is removed in accordance with the periods above. Anonymised or aggregated data may be retained indefinitely.
Benchmark takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.
However, no online service can guarantee absolute security.
Under applicable data protection law, users may have rights to:
Requests may be submitted to: app@benchmark.ac
Benchmark uses cookies and similar technologies. We distinguish between two types:
These are required for the Platform to function, including session management and authentication. They are set without consent as they are essential to the service.
We use Google Analytics to understand how the Platform is used. These cookies are only placed after you have given consent via our cookie banner. You may withdraw consent at any time by adjusting your cookie preferences or through your browser settings.
We do not use cookies for advertising or tracking across third-party websites.
The Platform may integrate with or rely on third-party services.
Benchmark is not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites, platforms, or providers.
The Platform is not intended for use by persons under the age of 18 without appropriate supervision or authorisation from a parent, guardian, or accredited training provider.
Benchmark may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Updated versions will take effect when published on the Platform.
This Privacy Policy and the Platform are operated by the data controller:
Questions or requests relating to this Privacy Policy should be sent to the email address above.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been infringed.