Policies and Statements
AWARDING AND CONSULTANCY INTERNATIONAL LTD.
PRIVACY POLICY
This Privacy Policy describes how Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd (“the Company”), trading as The Cloud Awards and The DaVinci Awards®, collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information. The Company is committed to handling personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
By accessing our website or submitting information to our awards programs or mailing lists, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1) DATA CONTROLLER INFORMATION
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
Company number: 12471639
Registered office: 124 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX
The Company operates under the trading names The Cloud Awards and The DaVinci Awards®.
For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, you may contact us at:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
2) CATEGORIES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
The Company may collect and process the following categories of personal information:
2.1) Awards Entrants (Including Paid Entrants)
- Name, job title, and professional contact details
- Organization information
- Application materials and supporting documentation
- Payment-related information processed via Stripe (the Company does not store card details)
- Communication records related to entries or inquiries
2.2) Judges and Subject Matter Experts (Contractors)
- Name, contact details, and professional profile
- Contracting or onboarding information
- Judging evaluations, scores, and comments
- Limited access credentials needed to review materials
Judges and subject matter experts do not receive the names, email addresses, or personal contact details of entrants. Access is limited to relevant application materials only.
2.3) Mailing List Subscribers
- Name
- Email address
- Subscription activity and communication preferences
2.4) Media and PR Contacts
- Name
- Professional email address
- Organization and role
- Communication history
2.5) Partners and Sponsors
- Business contact details
- Contractual and operational information relevant to partnership activities
2.6) Website Visitors
- IP address
- Browser and device information
- Cookie and tracking data
- Usage and interaction data collected through analytics services
3) METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
Personal information is collected through the following methods:
- Awards application forms
- Payment processing activities
- Contractor onboarding and communication
- Mailing list sign-ups
- Website forms and inquiries
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
- Direct communication with Company staff
- Media, partnership, and sponsor outreach
4) LEGAL BASES FOR PROCESSING
The Company processes personal information under the following lawful bases:
4.1) Contractual Necessity
To process awards submissions, manage entries, engage judges or subject matter experts, communicate with entrants, or process payments.
4.2) Legitimate Interests
For purposes such as:
- Operating and improving awards programs
- Conducting internal administrative functions
- Managing relationships with partners, media, and PR contacts
- Ensuring website functionality and security
- Preventing fraud or misuse of services
A balancing assessment is carried out to ensure that individual rights are not overridden.
4.3) Consent
For:
- Mailing list communications
- Non-essential analytics or tracking cookies
Consent may be withdrawn at any time.
4.4) Legal Obligations
To comply with tax, financial, and regulatory requirements.
5) PURPOSES FOR WHICH WE USE PERSONAL INFORMATION
Personal information is used for the following purposes:
- Administering awards submissions and judging processes
- Communicating with entrants, judges, and subject matter experts
- Processing payments and issuing confirmations or invoices
- Managing partnerships and media communications
- Maintaining mailing lists for individuals who opt in
- Responding to inquiries and customer service requests
- Operating, maintaining, and improving the website
- Conducting analytics to understand site usage and performance
- Carrying out internal business administration and compliance
6) THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Company uses trusted third parties to support its operations. These may include:
6.1) Analytics and Tracking
- Google Analytics
- LinkedIn Insight Tag
6.2) Email and CRM Services
- Mailchimp
- Zoho Bigin
6.3) Payment Processing
- Stripe
6.4) Website Hosting and Infrastructure
- WordPress
- Rocket.net
- Cloudflare
Where these services involve data processing outside the UK, appropriate safeguards are applied.
7) INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Some personal information may be transferred to or stored in countries outside the United Kingdom, including the United States, through the service providers listed in Section 6.
The Company also securely shares limited information with authorized judges and subject matter experts located in the United States via Microsoft SharePoint.
Where such transfers occur, the Company relies on appropriate safeguards, which may include:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) with the UK Addendum
- Provider-specific data protection frameworks
- Technical and organizational security measures
8) DATA SECURITY
The Company implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information, including:
- Secure hosting environments
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
- Access controls and role-based permissions
- Use of secure collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint)
- Routine updates and security monitoring
- Third-party providers with established security certifications
9) DATA RETENTION
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.
Typical retention periods include:
- Awards submissions: 6 years
- Financial and payment records: 7 years (for tax and accounting compliance)
- Mailing list subscriber data: until consent is withdrawn
- Judging and administrative records: 6 years, depending on purpose
- Analytics data: according to provider retention settings
10) YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS
Under UK GDPR, individuals have the right to:
- Access the personal information held about them
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion where applicable
- Request restriction of processing
- Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Request transfer of personal data (data portability), where applicable
- Withdraw consent for mailing list communications or non-essential cookies
Requests may be submitted to:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
Individuals also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
www.ico.org.uk
11) EXTERNAL LINKS
The Company’s websites may contain links to external websites. The Company is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of third-party sites and encourages users to review their privacy policies.
12) CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or operational practices. The “Last updated” date at the top of this document will be revised accordingly. Significant changes may be communicated through the website or other appropriate means.
13) CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
124 City Road
London, EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
AWARDING AND CONSULTANCY INTERNATIONAL LTD.
COOKIE POLICY
This Cookie Policy explains how Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd, trading as The Cloud Awards and The DaVinci Awards® (“the Company”), uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on its websites. This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.
By continuing to use our website after selecting your cookie preferences, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.
1) WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and store certain information about your preferences or past actions. Cookies may be set by the website you are visiting (“first-party cookies”) or by third-party services embedded on the website (“third-party cookies”).
Similar technologies, such as pixels, tags, and tracking scripts, may also be used for analytics and advertising purposes. For simplicity, this policy refers to all such technologies as “cookies.”
2) TYPES OF COOKIES WE USE
The Company uses the following categories of cookies:
2.1) Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for our website to function correctly and cannot be disabled. They enable core features such as page navigation, secure form submissions, and access to protected areas of the site.
2.2) Functional Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make, such as language or region selection, and provide enhanced functionality. If you disable these cookies, some features may not work as intended.
2.3) Analytics Cookies
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting information such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and clicks. The Company uses this data to improve website performance and user experience.
Examples include:
- Google Analytics
- LinkedIn Insight Tag
These analytics tools may collect information such as IP address, device type, browser, and usage behavior.
2.4) Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used to deliver relevant advertisements and measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They may track browsing behavior across websites.
Examples include:
- LinkedIn marketing tags and retargeting pixels
- Advertising tracking tools used through integrated third-party services
Marketing cookies are only activated with your explicit consent.
3) COOKIES PLACED BY THIRD PARTIES
Some cookies on our website are set by third-party service providers. These providers may process data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Third-party cookies may include:
- Google Analytics (analytics)
- LinkedIn Insight Tag (analytics and marketing)
- Stripe (payment security and fraud prevention)
- Cloudflare (security and performance)
We encourage you to review the privacy and cookie policies of these providers for additional details.
4) HOW WE OBTAIN CONSENT
Upon your first visit to our website, you will be presented with a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your cookie preferences
You may withdraw or modify your cookie consent at any time by adjusting your preferences through the cookie banner or settings tool available on our website.
Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent because they are essential for core website functionality.
5) MANAGING COOKIES THROUGH YOUR BROWSER
Most web browsers allow you to control cookie settings, including blocking or deleting cookies. Instructions vary by browser, but options typically include:
- Viewing saved cookies
- Blocking all cookies
- Blocking cookies from specific websites
- Deleting cookies upon browser exit
If you block certain cookies, parts of the website may not operate as intended.
For more information, visit the help pages of your browser or:
www.allaboutcookies.org
6) INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS
Some third-party analytics or marketing cookies may involve the transfer of data outside the United Kingdom. Where this occurs, we rely on appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and contractual protections required under UK GDPR.
Further details are provided in our Privacy Policy.
7) UPDATES TO THIS COOKIE POLICY
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our operational practices. The “Last updated” date at the top of this document will be amended accordingly.
8) CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
124 City Road
London, EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
AWARDING AND CONSULTANCY INTERNATIONAL LTD.
WEBSITE TERMS OF USE
These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your use of the websites operated by Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd (“the Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), including cloud-awards.com, davinciawards.com, and any associated URLs, subdomains, submission platforms, or digital services (collectively, “the Website”).
By accessing or using the Website, you agree to comply with these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Website.
1) WHO WE ARE
The Website is operated by:
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
124 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
Company number: 12471639
The Company operates the following award programs and trading names:
- The Cloud Awards
- The SaaS Awards
- The Cloud Security Awards
- The A.I. Awards
- The FinTech Awards
- The DaVinci Awards®
Use of any of these programs is also governed by their respective Terms & Conditions.
2) ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE
2.1) Availability
We aim to ensure the Website is available at all times, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may suspend, withdraw, or restrict access without notice for maintenance, updates, or operational reasons.
2.2) No Reliance on Information
The content on the Website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice.
3) ACCEPTABLE USE
You must use the Website only for lawful purposes. You must not:
- Use the Website in any manner that violates applicable law
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, servers, or databases
- Introduce malware, viruses, worms, or harmful code
- Scrape, harvest, extract, or index Website data without our written permission
- Interfere with Website operation or security
- Impersonate the Company, its staff, its Judges, or other users
We reserve the right to restrict or block access to any user who breaches these Terms.
4) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
4.1) Ownership
All Website content, (including text, graphics, logos, videos, photographs, badges, design elements, trademarks, and layout) is owned by or licensed to the Company and is protected by copyright and trademark laws.
4.2) Prohibited Use
Except where explicitly permitted, you must not:
- Copy, reproduce, modify, or distribute Website content
- Create derivative works
- Use our logos, trademarks, or award badges without authorization
- Misrepresent affiliation with the Company or its programs
4.3) Allowed Use
You may print or download excerpts for personal, non-commercial use, provided you do not alter or misrepresent the content.
5) USER-SUBMITTED CONTENT
Where the Website allows users to upload or submit content (e.g., through entry submission forms):
- You warrant that you have full rights to the content you submit
- You may not submit unlawful, defamatory, infringing, or harmful material
- You grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the content for submission review and administration
- We may remove content that breaches these Terms
Any misuse of submission systems may result in removal, account restriction, or legal action.
6) THIRD-PARTY LINKS
The Website may include links to third-party sites or services.
We are not responsible for:
- Their content
- Their accuracy
- Their security
- Their data practices
Links do not constitute endorsement.
7) SECURITY
We take reasonable steps to maintain Website security but do not guarantee:
- The Website will be free from malware
- Files downloaded from the Website will be safe
- The Website will function without interruption
Users are responsible for implementing their own cybersecurity protections, including antivirus tools and secure networks.
8) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- We exclude all implied warranties related to Website use
- We are not liable for loss or damage arising from Website use, inability to use the Website, or reliance on Website content
- We are not liable for loss caused by viruses, distributed denial-of-service attacks, or other technologically harmful material
This includes (without limitation):
- Loss of profits or revenue
- Business interruption
- Loss of data
- Reputational harm
- Indirect or consequential losses
Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation is unlawful.
9) PRIVACY AND COOKIES
Use of the Website is also governed by:
- Our Privacy Policy
- Our Cookie Policy
- Our Accessibility Statement
These documents explain how we process data, use cookies, and support accessibility.
10) MISUSE, FRAUD, AND IMPERSONATION
We may suspend or permanently block access if we suspect:
- Fraudulent activity
- Misuse of our brand, badges, or trademarks
- Interference with judging systems
- False representation (e.g., impersonating a staff member or Judge)
We may report criminal behavior to relevant authorities.
11) CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
We may update, replace, or modify these Terms at any time.
Continued use of the Website after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
12) GOVERNING LAW
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Disputes arising from the use of the Website will be resolved exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.
13) CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding these Terms:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
124 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
AWARDING AND CONSULTANCY INTERNATIONAL LTD.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd, trading as The Cloud Awards and The DaVinci Awards® (“the Company”), is committed to providing a website experience that is accessible and usable for all individuals. We aim to ensure that our digital services are inclusive and meet recognized accessibility standards.
This Accessibility Statement outlines our ongoing efforts to maintain and improve accessibility across our websites.
1) OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY
The Company is committed to making its websites accessible in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Our goal is to provide a positive user experience for all visitors, including individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation tools, or alternative input devices.
2) ACCESSIBILITY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
To support accessibility, we take the following measures:
2.1) Technical Measures
- Use of structured HTML and appropriate markup to support screen readers and assistive technologies
- Making reasonable efforts to ensure that meaningful images and non-text content include appropriate alternative text or text equivalents
- Proper labeling of forms, fields, and interactive elements
- Responsive page design for various screen sizes and devices
- Sufficient color contrast for text and graphical elements
- Consistent navigation and heading structure
2.2) Organizational Measures
- Ongoing review of website design and development practices
- Regular content updates to maintain alignment with accessibility standards
- Collaboration with third-party providers that support accessibility-friendly technologies
3) KNOWN LIMITATIONS
We are aware that certain elements may not fully meet WCAG 2.1 AA criteria at all times. Known limitations may include:
- Third-party plugins or embedded tools that the Company does not control
- Occasional formatting inconsistencies in long-form content or archived materials
- User-generated or submitted content included within awards applications or case studies (when published with consent)
We continuously monitor and work to resolve any accessibility issues as they arise.
4) SUPPORT FOR USERS WITH DISABILITIES
We aim to accommodate users who encounter difficulty accessing any part of our website. If you experience any barriers, require information in an alternative format, or need assistance navigating our content, please contact us using the details below.
We will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly and provide accessible solutions where possible.
5) COMPATIBILITY WITH BROWSERS AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Our website is designed to be compatible with the following:
- Current versions of major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Screen readers commonly used on Windows and macOS
- Mobile and tablet devices
- Keyboard-only navigation
Older browsers or highly customized assistive technologies may have limited compatibility.
6) CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Accessibility is an ongoing process. The Company is committed to reviewing and improving the accessibility of its digital services on a regular basis. Updates may occur when:
- Technology evolves
- Web accessibility standards change
- New content or features are added to the website
- Issues are reported by users or identified through internal review
7) FEEDBACK AND CONTACT INFORMATION
We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our websites.
If you encounter an accessibility issue or would like to request an accommodation, please contact:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd
124 City Road
London, EC1V 2NX
United Kingdom
Please include a description of the issue, the page where it occurred, and any assistive technology you are using, if applicable. This information helps us investigate and resolve the matter efficiently.
8) ENFORCEMENT AND REVIEW
This Accessibility Statement will be reviewed periodically. Significant updates will be reflected in the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd, trading as The Cloud Awards and The DaVinci Awards® (“the Company”), is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. We are opposed to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation. This statement outlines the measures we take to prevent modern slavery within our operations and supply chain.
1) OUR BUSINESS
Awarding and Consultancy International Ltd is a UK-registered organization that manages and operates global awards programs across technology, innovation, lifestyle, and business sectors. Our activities include:
- Administration of award submissions and judging processes
- Management of our websites and associated online tools
- Communications, marketing, and outreach
- Engagement with subject matter experts, judges, and contractors
- Collaboration with service providers and technology partners
We operate primarily from the United Kingdom and work with contractors and service providers both domestically and internationally.
2) OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
The Company’s supply chain consists predominantly of:
- Website hosting, infrastructure, and digital service providers
- Customer relationship management and email platforms
- Professional services (design, editorial, consultancy)
- Contractors, including judges and subject matter experts
- Technology and software vendors
- Cloud-based platforms and infrastructure providers
Given the nature of our work, the Company assesses its supply chain as presenting a low risk of modern slavery. However, we remain vigilant and committed to ethical oversight.
3) OUR POLICIES AND STANDARDS
The Company maintains internal standards that reflect our commitment to preventing modern slavery. These include:
- A requirement for ethical conduct in all business activities
- Contractor and supplier expectations regarding lawful and fair working practices
- Data protection and confidentiality controls for all contractors and subject matter experts
- A commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in our operations
We expect all individuals and organizations working with us to uphold these values.
4) DUE DILIGENCE AND SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT
To help mitigate the risk of modern slavery, the Company takes the following steps:
- Engaging with reputable suppliers and digital service providers with established compliance programs
- Reviewing publicly available information about key suppliers’ ethical practices
- Using written agreements or terms that require contractors and subject matter experts to comply with applicable laws
- Limiting access to internal systems to authorized individuals only
- Monitoring supplier relationships for changes that may affect compliance or risk
5) TRAINING AND AWARENESS
While the Company is a low-risk business, we promote awareness among staff and contractors regarding:
- The forms modern slavery can take
- How to recognize signs of exploitation
- How to report concerns internally
Where appropriate, individuals involved in procurement or supplier management receive guidance relevant to their roles.
6) REPORTING CONCERNS
We encourage anyone working with or for the Company to report concerns related to modern slavery or unethical practices. Concerns can be raised confidentially by contacting:
hello@awardingconsultancy.com
The Company investigates all reports and takes appropriate action where necessary.
7) CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The Company remains committed to improving its practices and strengthening its approach to preventing modern slavery. We periodically review our procedures, supplier relationships, and internal standards to ensure effectiveness and alignment with best practices.
8) APPROVAL
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the Company leadership and will be reviewed periodically.