Policies
All Policies
You will find all of The Character Consultancy's policies on this page, including:
Fair Use Policy
Overview
In an effort to reduce barriers to the use of copyrighted material in my works, The Character Consultancy takes the following stance on fair use, licensing, and use of copyright materials:
- Recognizes and credits use of the original artworks, for which the creator owns the copyright, based on the doctrine of fair use
- Utilizes fair use when reproducing materials, both for which The Character Consultancy does, and does not, own the copyright
- Seeks written permission for royalty-free image use by the content creator
A: Fair Use Of Creators' Material
The Character Consultancy seeks permission for the use of, and credits, the creator's artworks, for which the creator owns the copyright, under the doctrine of fair use. Possible uses include:
- Analytical, interpretive, and/or creative writings/works
- Online (digitized) collections created for the purposes of demonstration and marketing
- The creation of guides
- Print and digital newspapers, periodicals, and magazines
- Transformative use in artworks
- Social media
Publishing The Character Consultancy's work under fair use does not require permission from or a license agreement with The Character Consultancy. However, in order to ensure accuracy in crediting of all original creators and citations, publishers are requested to contact The Character Consultancy to obtain copies and citations. See Contact Us information in the above menu.
B: The Character Consultancy's Policy on Use of Copyrighted Works
As a copyright holder, The Character Consultancy supports fair use of The Character Consultancy written or spoken works. Similarly, as a creator of artistic content, The Character Consultancy exercises the right to responsibly make fair use of works for which The Character Consultancy does not own the copyright, once permission has been sought and given. If you have any questions or comments on our use of images or believe an image has been reproduced in violation of copyright, please email us.
C: Royalty-free Image Use by The Character Consultancy
Partners that are uncomfortable publishing under the doctrine of fair use or own an image that does not qualify for fair use are encouraged to communicate this to The Character Consultancy. This License Agreement is designed to acknowledge and support the fair use of copyrighted artworks as well as encourage additional usage that may not qualify under fair use. Such uses include:
- Use covered by fair use, to:
- Encourage the long-term and widespread use/reproduction of The Character Consultancy's artworks without repeated permission requests.
- Reduce the need for fair use analysis and decision-making as related to the non-commercial usage of reproductions of The Character Consultancy's artworks.
- Provide usage assurance for individuals and institutions that are not comfortable publishing images of The Character Consultancy's artworks under fair use.
- Additional royalty-free use of artworks in the License Agreement, subject to The Character Consultancy's approval, may include:
- Promotional uses such as marketing and advertisements.
Artistic content creators are encouraged to contact The Character Consultancy to learn more about the License Agreement. See Contact Us information above.
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Cookie Policy
In this cookie policy you can read general information about:
- How I use cookies,
- The types of cookies I use,
- For how long they work and for what purposes they are used,
- How to change your cookie settings and opt-out, and
- Who I am and how can you contact me.
When I use words like “me”, "my”, or “mine”, I mean The Character Consultancy, and thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk. You can find my company details below. I am both the data controller and one of the data processors. Currently I do not have any cookies on this web site, but if I add any in future, this section will give you the information you need.
When I refer to “you” we mean you as a user or visitor of our website.
This policy is part of my privacy policy. In the future, my use of cookies may include processing of your personal data and I therefore recommend that you check this privacy policy if you visit in the future.
What do I need to know about cookies?
There are different types of cookies and they are used for different purposes.
Below you can read about what a cookie is, the difference between first and third party cookies and session cookies vs. persistent cookies and what types of cookies we use on our website and why. I will also specify the types of cookies this web site uses.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small piece of data that a website stores on your device when you visit it. A cookie typically contains information about the website itself, a unique identifier that allows the site to recognise your web browser when you return, additional data that serves the purpose of the cookie, and the lifespan of the cookie itself.
Cookies are used to enable certain features (e.g. logging in), to track site usage (e.g. analytics), to store your user settings (e.g. timezone, notification preferences), and to personalise your content (e.g. advertising, language).
Session cookies vs. persistent cookies
Session cookies only last as long as your online session. This means that they will disappear from your computer or device when you close your browser. They are therefore also sometimes referred to as temporary cookies. Typically session cookies are used to remember what a user put in their basket when they are browsing a website.
Persistent cookies are different. These cookies are sometimes called permanent cookies. They will stay on your computer or device after you close your browser. These types of cookies will expire according to the time specified in the cookie. You can see the specific duration of each persistent cookie below.
What’s the difference between first and third party cookies?
First party cookies are cookies that are set by the website that you are visiting and it's only this website that can access and read these cookies.
Third party cookies are set by someone other than the owner of the website you’re visiting. As an example, some pages have content from other sites like YouTube. YouTube may set their own cookies on your browser when you play the video from YouTube. Cookies set by other sites and companies (ie. third parties) can be used to track you on other websites that use the same third-party service.
Below you can see what cookies on our website are first party cookies and third party cookies.
Types of cookies and how I use them
Necessary cookies
Necessary cookies are required for the basic functionality of websites that require information from you to work, such as websites that require you to log in. This does not apply to the contact form, as it simply sends your information directly to my email inbox rather than logging it.
Necessary cookies are also used to help with ensuring that you are given the option to accept or reject cookies, block non-necessary cookies from working until you give consent, and remember your cookie settings and choices. The cookies also help keep track of, if, and when, you gave consent to analytical cookies, my privacy policy, T&Cs and email marketing.
Necessary cookies are also used for payment processing (though I don't take payment via this website).
It's not possible to reject or accept the necessary cookies as they are core for the functionality of our website.
This site does not use any cookies.
Analytical cookies
Analytical cookies gather statistics that can be used to improve the website user's experience. The information collected via the analytical cookies track how you use our website during your visit. It helps the website owner to understand visitor usage patterns, identify, and diagnose problems or errors you may encounter, and make better strategic decisions in improving the website experience.
Marketing cookies
Marketing cookies are used in determining what promotional content is more relevant and appropriate to you and your interests. Websites may use them to deliver targeted advertising or to limit the number of times you see an advertisement. This helps companies improve the effectiveness of their campaigns, and the quality of content presented to you. These cookies may be set by the website you’re visiting (first-party) or by third-party services. Marketing cookies set by third-parties may be used to track you on other websites that use the same third-party service.
Functionality cookies
Functionality cookies are used in collecting information about your device and any settings you may configure on the website you’re visiting (like language and timezone settings). With this information, websites can provide you with customised, enhanced or optimised content and services.
Third-party cookies on my site
I do not employ third-party companies and individuals on my website, e.g. analytics providers or content partners.
How you can change your cookie settings, incl. opting out
My cookie banner always provides you with the option to say no to storing a cookie.
If I ever do implement cookies then I will also give you the option to change your mind. If that happens, just look for the shield beside my website. If you press the shield, your cookie settings will appear, allowing you to change your settings and reject cookies.
It's also possible to instruct your browser to refuse cookies from all websites, including my own. Most browsers are configured to accept cookies by default, but you can update these settings to either refuse cookies altogether, or to notify you when a website is trying to set or update a cookie.
If you browse websites from multiple devices, you may need to update your settings on each individual device.
Although some cookies can be blocked with little impact on your experience of a website, blocking all cookies may mean you are unable to access certain features and content on the site.
Who am I and how can you contact me?
My company information is:
The Character Consultancy
Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ
You are welcome to email me at: hello@thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk
This policy is effective from the 12th of September 2020. Updated 15th of July 2026.
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Privacy Policy
Last updated: 14th July 2026
What Personal Information Is Collected
The Character Consultancy currently collects the following via the main site:
- Contact form:
- email address
- name (although whether to give your real name, full or partial, or some other name that you would prefer us to call you by, is your choice)
- any further information you decide to provide in the message box
How This Information Will Be Used
I collect this information in order to be able to:
- respond to your queries
- send you documents if requested, including my questionnaires
I store this information for as long as I believe you and The Character Consultancy will continue to have ongoing communication with one another, although I am happy to delete your emails at your request.
Data Processing Complains Procedure
If you have any complaint about how I handle your personal data, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by emailing the contact details given below, in the "Business Name, Data Controller, and Data Processor" section. I would welcome any suggestions for improving my data protection procedures. I will acknowledge any complaint within 30 days, keep you informed of progress, and explain the outcome. If l am uncertain of the identity of the person making the complaint, I may request additional identification information (such as phoning you on the number have on file or checking with you your date of birth). If you are complaining on behalf of someone else, I will be obliged to check you have the authority to act on their behalf either confirmation of power of attorney or a signed letter of authority from the person you are writing on behalf of).
If you want to make a formal complaint about the way I have processed your personal information you can contact the ICO which is the statutory body that oversees data protection law in the UK. For more information go to ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint. This is in accordance with the UK Data Use and Access Act 2025.
Third Parties
I share parts or all of the above data with:
- Affiliated worldbuilders: I provide only as much information as the given affiliate needs in order to do their job. Wherever necessary I anonymise data, e.g., for data analysis.
Please note that while I am based in the UK, many of my contacts live outside of the UK. I share the data on the above basis regardless of where a contact is from.
Business Name, Data Controller, and Data Processor
The Character Consultancy
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
Data controller and processor: Hayley Watkins
Contact me at: hello@thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk
Secondary Data Processors
From time to time, I invite a character profile writer or worldbuilder to work on my behalf, as my time has become more limited in recent years. I will always inform you that I intend to do this before accepting the commission so that you can make a choice, and will tell you who my affiliate is. My process when providing information about clients to my affiliate is to:
- Discuss with them their privacy policy record management policy, and information security policy
- Ensure that they use reasonable security features to optimise the security of any data given, e.g., passwords and 2FA, in order to qualify to work for me
- Ensure they agree to notify me of any data breaches
- Have them sign a contract that meets the requirements of Article 28(3)
- Provide them with documented instructions to follow
- Check with the affiliate every 3 months to ensure that the above requirements are being followed, and keep a record of this
See the ICO's page regarding a data controller's responsibilities to oversee data controllers, here.
Your Choices Regarding Your Data
My contact form and email address are optional to use. If you do not wish to share your data with me via these avenues you are welcome to avoid doing so. As an alternative you may wish to contact me via my various social media accounts instead.
If you wish to request access to, correction or, or deletion of your data, please email me. Up to date information regarding your data rights can be found here: on the www.gov.uk website
If you wish to make a complaint, www.gov.uk provides guidance here.
Opting Out
If you wish to opt out of any future contact from TCC, please let us know via this email address.
Please note that this is an alternative to the right to be forgotten, in which all of your details are wiped from our records. If this happens then there is a chance that I or one of my affiliates will find you again and contact you as if you were a new contact.
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All Policies
You will find all of The Character Consultancy's policies on this page, including:
Fair Use Policy
Overview
In an effort to reduce barriers to the use of copyrighted material in my works, The Character Consultancy takes the following stance on fair use, licensing, and use of copyright materials:
- Recognizes and credits use of the original artworks, for which the creator owns the copyright, based on the doctrine of fair use
- Utilizes fair use when reproducing materials, both for which The Character Consultancy does, and does not, own the copyright
- Seeks written permission for royalty-free image use by the content creator
A: Fair Use Of Creators' Material
The Character Consultancy seeks permission for the use of, and credits, the creator's artworks, for which the creator owns the copyright, under the doctrine of fair use. Possible uses include:
- Analytical, interpretive, and/or creative writings/works
- Online (digitized) collections created for the purposes of demonstration and marketing
- The creation of guides
- Print and digital newspapers, periodicals, and magazines
- Transformative use in artworks
- Social media
Publishing The Character Consultancy's work under fair use does not require permission from or a license agreement with The Character Consultancy. However, in order to ensure accuracy in crediting of all original creators and citations, publishers are requested to contact The Character Consultancy to obtain copies and citations. See Contact Us information in the above menu.
B: The Character Consultancy's Policy on Use of Copyrighted Works
As a copyright holder, The Character Consultancy supports fair use of The Character Consultancy written or spoken works. Similarly, as a creator of artistic content, The Character Consultancy exercises the right to responsibly make fair use of works for which The Character Consultancy does not own the copyright, once permission has been sought and given. If you have any questions or comments on our use of images or believe an image has been reproduced in violation of copyright, please email us.
C: Royalty-free Image Use by The Character Consultancy
Partners that are uncomfortable publishing under the doctrine of fair use or own an image that does not qualify for fair use are encouraged to communicate this to The Character Consultancy. This License Agreement is designed to acknowledge and support the fair use of copyrighted artworks as well as encourage additional usage that may not qualify under fair use. Such uses include:
- Use covered by fair use, to:
- Encourage the long-term and widespread use/reproduction of The Character Consultancy's artworks without repeated permission requests.
- Reduce the need for fair use analysis and decision-making as related to the non-commercial usage of reproductions of The Character Consultancy's artworks.
- Provide usage assurance for individuals and institutions that are not comfortable publishing images of The Character Consultancy's artworks under fair use.
- Additional royalty-free use of artworks in the License Agreement, subject to The Character Consultancy's approval, may include:
- Promotional uses such as marketing and advertisements.
Artistic content creators are encouraged to contact The Character Consultancy to learn more about the License Agreement. See Contact Us information above.
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Cookie Policy
In this cookie policy you can read general information about:
- How I use cookies,
- The types of cookies I use,
- For how long they work and for what purposes they are used,
- How to change your cookie settings and opt-out, and
- Who I am and how can you contact me.
When I use words like “me”, "my”, or “mine”, I mean The Character Consultancy, and thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk. You can find my company details below. I am both the data controller and one of the data processors. Currently I do not have any cookies on this web site, but if I add any in future, this section will give you the information you need.
When I refer to “you” we mean you as a user or visitor of our website.
This policy is part of my privacy policy. In the future, my use of cookies may include processing of your personal data and I therefore recommend that you check this privacy policy if you visit in the future.
What do I need to know about cookies?
There are different types of cookies and they are used for different purposes.
Below you can read about what a cookie is, the difference between first and third party cookies and session cookies vs. persistent cookies and what types of cookies we use on our website and why. I will also specify the types of cookies this web site uses.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small piece of data that a website stores on your device when you visit it. A cookie typically contains information about the website itself, a unique identifier that allows the site to recognise your web browser when you return, additional data that serves the purpose of the cookie, and the lifespan of the cookie itself.
Cookies are used to enable certain features (e.g. logging in), to track site usage (e.g. analytics), to store your user settings (e.g. timezone, notification preferences), and to personalise your content (e.g. advertising, language).
Session cookies vs. persistent cookies
Session cookies only last as long as your online session. This means that they will disappear from your computer or device when you close your browser. They are therefore also sometimes referred to as temporary cookies. Typically session cookies are used to remember what a user put in their basket when they are browsing a website.
Persistent cookies are different. These cookies are sometimes called permanent cookies. They will stay on your computer or device after you close your browser. These types of cookies will expire according to the time specified in the cookie. You can see the specific duration of each persistent cookie below. What’s the difference between first and third party cookies?
First party cookies are cookies that are set by the website that you are visiting and it's only this website that can access and read these cookies.
Third party cookies are set by someone other than the owner of the website you’re visiting. As an example, some pages have content from other sites like YouTube. YouTube may set their own cookies on your browser when you play the video from YouTube. Cookies set by other sites and companies (ie. third parties) can be used to track you on other websites that use the same third-party service.
Below you can see what cookies on our website are first party cookies and third party cookies.
Types of cookies and how I use them
Necessary cookies
Necessary cookies are required for the basic functionality of websites that require information from you to work, such as websites that require you to log in. This does not apply to the contact form, as it simply sends your information directly to my email inbox rather than logging it.
Necessary cookies are also used to help with ensuring that you are given the option to accept or reject cookies, block non-necessary cookies from working until you give consent, and remember your cookie settings and choices. The cookies also help keep track of, if, and when, you gave consent to analytical cookies, my privacy policy, T&Cs and email marketing.
Necessary cookies are also used for payment processing (though I don't take payment via this website).
It's not possible to reject or accept the necessary cookies as they are core for the functionality of our website.
This site does not use any cookies.
Analytical cookies
Analytical cookies gather statistics that can be used to improve the website user's experience. The information collected via the analytical cookies track how you use our website during your visit. It helps the website owner to understand visitor usage patterns, identify, and diagnose problems or errors you may encounter, and make better strategic decisions in improving the website experience.
Marketing cookies
Marketing cookies are used in determining what promotional content is more relevant and appropriate to you and your interests. Websites may use them to deliver targeted advertising or to limit the number of times you see an advertisement. This helps companies improve the effectiveness of their campaigns, and the quality of content presented to you. These cookies may be set by the website you’re visiting (first-party) or by third-party services. Marketing cookies set by third-parties may be used to track you on other websites that use the same third-party service.
Functionality cookies
Functionality cookies are used in collecting information about your device and any settings you may configure on the website you’re visiting (like language and timezone settings). With this information, websites can provide you with customised, enhanced or optimised content and services.
Third-party cookies on my site
I do not employ third-party companies and individuals on my website, e.g. analytics providers or content partners.
How you can change your cookie settings, incl. opting out
My cookie banner always provides you with the option to say no to storing a cookie.
If I ever do implement cookies then I will also give you the option to change your mind. If that happens, just look for the shield beside my website. If you press the shield, your cookie settings will appear, allowing you to change your settings and reject cookies.
It's also possible to instruct your browser to refuse cookies from all websites, including my own. Most browsers are configured to accept cookies by default, but you can update these settings to either refuse cookies altogether, or to notify you when a website is trying to set or update a cookie.
If you browse websites from multiple devices, you may need to update your settings on each individual device.
Although some cookies can be blocked with little impact on your experience of a website, blocking all cookies may mean you are unable to access certain features and content on the site.
Who am I and how can you contact me?
My company information is:
The Character Consultancy
Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ
You are welcome to email me at: hello@thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk
This policy is effective from the 12th of September 2020. Updated 15th of July 2026.
Back to top of page
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 14th July 2026
What Personal Information Is Collected
The Character Consultancy currently collects the following via the main site:
- Contact form:
- email address
- name (although whether to give your real name, full or partial, or some other name that you would prefer us to call you by, is your choice)
- any further information you decide to provide in the message box
- respond to your queries
- send you documents if requested, including my questionnaires
- Affiliated worldbuilders: I provide only as much information as the given affiliate needs in order to do their job. Wherever necessary I anonymise data, e.g., for data analysis.
- Discuss with them their privacy policy record management policy, and information security policy
- Ensure that they use reasonable security features to optimise the security of any data given, e.g., passwords and 2FA, in order to qualify to work for me
- Ensure they agree to notify me of any data breaches
- Have them sign a contract that meets the requirements of Article 28(3)
- Provide them with documented instructions to follow
- Check with the affiliate every 3 months to ensure that the above requirements are being followed, and keep a record of this
How This Information Will Be Used
I collect this information in order to be able to:
I store this information for as long as I believe you and The Character Consultancy will continue to have ongoing communication with one another, although I am happy to delete your emails at your request.
Data Processing Complains Procedure
If you have any complaint about how I handle your personal data, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by emailing the contact details given below, in the "Business Name, Data Controller, and Data Processor" section. I would welcome any suggestions for improving my data protection procedures. I will acknowledge any complaint within 30 days, keep you informed of progress, and explain the outcome. If l am uncertain of the identity of the person making the complaint, I may request additional identification information (such as phoning you on the number have on file or checking with you your date of birth). If you are complaining on behalf of someone else, I will be obliged to check you have the authority to act on their behalf either confirmation of power of attorney or a signed letter of authority from the person you are writing on behalf of).
If you want to make a formal complaint about the way I have processed your personal information you can contact the ICO which is the statutory body that oversees data protection law in the UK. For more information go to ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint. This is in accordance with the UK Data Use and Access Act 2025.
Third Parties
I share parts or all of the above data with:
Please note that while I am based in the UK, many of my contacts live outside of the UK. I share the data on the above basis regardless of where a contact is from.
Business Name, Data Controller, and Data Processor
The Character Consultancy
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
Data controller and processor: Hayley Watkins
Contact me at: hello@thecharacterconsultancy.co.uk
Secondary Data Processors
From time to time, I invite a character profile writer or worldbuilder to work on my behalf, as my time has become more limited in recent years. I will always inform you that I intend to do this before accepting the commission so that you can make a choice, and will tell you who my affiliate is. My process when providing information about clients to my affiliate is to:
See the ICO's page regarding a data controller's responsibilities to oversee data controllers, here.
Your Choices Regarding Your Data
My contact form and email address are optional to use. If you do not wish to share your data with me via these avenues you are welcome to avoid doing so. As an alternative you may wish to contact me via my various social media accounts instead.
If you wish to request access to, correction or, or deletion of your data, please email me. Up to date information regarding your data rights can be found here: on the www.gov.uk website
If you wish to make a complaint, www.gov.uk provides guidance here.
Opting Out
If you wish to opt out of any future contact from TCC, please let us know via this email address.
Please note that this is an alternative to the right to be forgotten, in which all of your details are wiped from our records. If this happens then there is a chance that I or one of my affiliates will find you again and contact you as if you were a new contact.
Back to top of page