Last updated: September 2026
The short version
I only collect the information I need to keep in touch with you and answer your messages. I don't sell it or share it for anyone else's marketing. You can unsubscribe, or ask me to delete your details, at any time.
Who I am
This website is run by me, Phil Blackmore, author of The Deliberate Optimist ("I", "me"). I'm responsible for looking after your personal information.
If you have any questions, email me at phil@createhealth.com
What I collect
- When you join my mailing list: your name and email address, plus which emails you open and links you click. This helps me write things people actually want to read.
- When you contact me: your name, email address and whatever you choose to tell me. This could be a question about the book, a speaking or media request, or just a hello.
- When you visit the website:some technical information, such as your IP address, browser and the pages you view. This is collected through cookies (see below).
- When you buy the book:you buy it from retailers such as Amazon, not from me. They handle your details under their own privacy policies. I don't see your payment information.
Why I use it
What I do =
- Send you my newsletter and news about the book
- Reply to your messages and enquiries
- Arrange talks, interviews or events
- Understand how people use the site so I can improve it
- Keep records the law requires
The legal reason =
- Your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email
- Legitimate interests: it's reasonable for me to reply when you get in touch
- Legitimate interests, or a contract if we agree to work together
- Legitimate interests
- Legal obligation
Cookies
Cookies are small files saved on your device when you visit a website.
- Essential cookies keep the site working. They are always on.
- Analytics cookies show me how many people visit and which pages they read. I use Google Analytics. The law allows these without asking first, as long as you can easily switch them off. You can opt out at any time using the cookie settings link at the bottom of every page.
Who I share it with
I never sell your information. I only share it with the services that help me run the website and mailing list, such as:
- Mailing list provider, e.g. Mailchimp, Substack
- Website platform or host, e.g. 123 Reg
- Email provider, e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
They can only use your information to provide their service to me. I may also share information if the law requires it.
Information stored outside the UK
Some of these services store data outside the UK, often in the US. When they do, proper legal protections are in place, such as the UK's approved data protection standards or approved contract clauses.
How long I keep it
- Mailing list: until you unsubscribe. I may also remove people who haven't opened an email in a long time.
- Messages and enquiries: up to 2 years after we were last in touch.
- Event or speaking arrangements:up to 6 years, for tax and legal reasons.
Keeping it safe
I use reputable services, strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your information. If there's ever a serious breach that affects you, I'll tell you and the regulator.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- See the information I hold about you
- Correct anything that's wrong
- Delete your information
- Object to how I use it, or ask me to limit it
- Take your information to another service
- Withdraw consent at any time, for example by unsubscribing
Just email phil@createhealth.com. It's free, and I'll reply within one month.
Complaints
If you're unhappy with how I've handled your information, please tell me first at phil@createhealth.com
I'll acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and let you know what I'm doing about it.
If you're still not happy, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Children
This website is for adult readers. I don't knowingly collect information from anyone under 16. If you think a child has signed up, let me know and I'll remove them.
Changes
If I update this policy, I'll post the new version here and change the date at the top.