Our privacy policy and procedures

Wine Matters Barbados (WMB) is committed to protecting your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal information you share with us, or that we receive from others, and keep it safe.

This document sets out our data processing practices and your rights and options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used and collected, as well as, our other procedures.

How we collect your personal information

We collect your personal information in a number of different ways, depending on how you engage with us. We have set out these methods below.

When you directly provide it to us directly. For example, when you are registered for an examination with WSET, we provide WSET Awards with some of your personal information for the purpose of identification and managing your qualifications and results.

What personal information we collect

The type of information we collect depends upon your engagement with us. We may collect the following information about you:

Your name, date of birth, gender and contact details (this could include your postal address, telephone numbers and email address)
Purchases and orders made by you.
Your payment card details (which are encrypted) when you purchase any products or services (should you pay for one of our products or services over the telephone or using one of our payment forms, your card details will not be retained and will be securely destroyed).
In certain situations, information relating to health which may be required to support applications for reasonable adjustment and/or special consideration in the context of examinations for WSET qualifications.

Why we collect your personal data

We use your personal information for a number of different reasons, which we set out below.

To register you as a candidate with WSET Awards and enable you to sit examinations for WSET qualifications.
To administer and conduct your examination, including making arrangements for reasonable adjustments and/or special considerations.
To provide you with post-results services such as enquiries against results and appeals and solicit feedback from you on WSET qualifications.
To process your registration for any WSET-hosted courses or events so that we can deliver these services to you.
To send you information regarding the course or event for which you are registered (or which you have registered interest in).
To process sales of products or services you have purchased from us.

Please note

Confirmation of places, the posting of results and certificates will only be processed once full payment has been made.

Onsite group rates

Please contact us regarding special rates for 12 or more students with training held at your location.

Cancellations and refunds

Cancellations of registered places for WSET Level 1 and 2 coursess will be accepted up to 21 days prior to the start of the course, subject to an administration fee of $100.00.
WSET Level 3 courses in Wines are subject to an administration fee of $200.
Cancellations must be submitted by email to: info@winemattersbarbados.com
Refunds will be paid to the payee only.
Cancellations made at any other time are not eligible for a refund.
Any delivered training materials are not eligible to be returned and the cost will be deducted as per the below:

WSET Level1 - $150

WSET Level2 - $300
WSET Level3 - $600

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

WMB seeks to assess all students in a way that puts them at no disadvantage, or advantage, over other students. A reasonable adjustment is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places the student at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment situation. Reasonable adjustments are approved by WMB and put in place before the assessment activity takes place; they constitute an arrangement to give the student access to the qualification. The use of a reasonable adjustment is not taken into consideration during the assessment of a student’s work. Reasonable adjustments must not give unfair advantage over students for whom reasonable adjustments are not being made or affect the reliability and validity of the assessment outcomes as detailed in the applicable specification.
Reasonable adjustments may involve:

Changing standard assessment arrangements, for example allowing students extra time to complete the assessment activity.
Adapting assessment materials, such as providing materials in large text format.
Providing access facilitators during assessment, such as a sign language interpreter or reader.
Re-organising the assessment room, such as removal of visual stimuli for an autistic student.

In receiving an application for a reasonable adjustment, WMB must identify at the time of a student’s enrolment any special needs which may require a reasonable adjustment at the time of the examination. WMB must submit a Reasonable Adjustment Application Form to the WSET Awards at least four weeks before the examination date in the case of WSET qualifications at Levels 1-3 and at least eight weeks before the examination date in the case of the WSET Level 4 Diploma. Supporting evidence must be provided with the completed form. The specific arrangements for the examination process itself, or for marking, will be agreed in each case between WMB Examinations Officer and WSET Awards, and will vary according to individual circumstances. WSET Awards reserves the right to seek the advice of independent agencies as appropriate in coming to a decision on specific arrangements. Please note that WMB is unable to offer reasonable adjustments to any students until this has been agreed with WSET Awards. Students and their advisors should be aware that it is not appropriate to make requests for reasonable adjustments where the student’s difficulty directly affects performance in the attributes that are the focus of the assessment.
WMB School London will keep records of all reasonable adjustment applications.

Complaints and appeals procedures

Complaints arise when a participant is dissatisfied with an aspect of the school services, and requires action to be taken to resolve the matter.
Appeals arise when a participant is not satisfied with a decision that the school has made.
Initially an informal complaint should be made by communicating directly with the representative of the school, e.g. the educator.
Any client who is dissatisfied with the response to the informal feedback or complaint may initiate a formal complaint.
A formal complaint or appeal can be made if the client is not satisfied with the result of an informal complaint.
All formal complaints or appeals go to the board members first, excluding any board member cited in the complaint.
The formal complaint or appeal and its outcome will be presented and recorded in writing.
Once a formal complaint or appeal is received, an appropriate board member will hear the complaint.
The complainant will be given an opportunity to present their case to the board member and may be accompanied by one other person with first hand knowledge of the issue being raised.
The relevant staff member shall be given an opportunity to present their case, and may be accompanied by one other person with first hand knowledge of the issue being raised.
The board member will make a decision regarding the complaint or appeal and will communicate the decision to all parties in writing within five working days of making the decision.
If the client is still not satisfied, the Director will refer them to the WSET appeals and complaints process.

Policy Update

We may update this policy from time to time to take account of any new business activity or to reflect any changes in law or best practice in relation to data protection.