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Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 1, 2026

The Independent National Board for Grief Coaching ("INBGC," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

If you have questions, contact us at support@inbgc.org.

1. Who We Are

INBGC is an independent credentialing body for grief coaches. We provide board certification, supervised practice oversight, and continuing education. We are located at 670 Meridian Way, Suite 284, Westerville, OH 43085.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three ways: information you give us, information collected automatically, and information from third parties.

Information You Provide

  • Account and application data: name, email, mailing address, phone number, professional credentials, training history, and supervised practice records.
  • Payment information: processed by our payment provider, Stripe. We do not store full credit card numbers on our servers.
  • Communications: emails, discovery call notes, support tickets, survey responses, and testimonials.
  • Certification records: exam results, supervised hours, continuing education, renewals, and disciplinary records (if any).

Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage data: pages visited, links clicked, time on site, referring URL.
  • Device data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: see Section 6.

Information From Third Parties

  • Training program partners who confirm completion of prerequisite coursework.
  • References you list during your application.
  • Public professional directories used to verify credentials.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Review applications and issue, maintain, suspend, or revoke certifications.
  • Verify credentials, training, and supervised practice hours.
  • Process payments and manage your account.
  • Communicate about your certification status, renewals, and continuing education.
  • Send program updates, educational content, and newsletters (you can unsubscribe at any time).
  • Operate, improve, and secure our website and services.
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our policies.

We do not sell your personal information.

4. How We Share Your Information

We share information only when necessary:

  • Service providers that help us run the organization (payment processing through Stripe, email delivery, hosting, learning platforms, analytics). They are contractually required to protect your information.
  • Advisory board and exam reviewers who evaluate your credentials and competence.
  • Public certification directory: if you become board-certified, your name, certification status, certification number, and general location may appear in our public directory so grievers and referral partners can verify your credentials. You can request directory privacy by contacting us.
  • Legal and safety: when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of grievers, coaches, or the public.
  • Business transfers: if INBGC is acquired, merges, or transfers operations, your information may transfer with appropriate notice.

5. How Long We Keep Your Information

  • Active certification records: for the duration of your certification plus seven (7) years for accountability and verification purposes.
  • Application records (not certified): up to three (3) years.
  • Financial records: as required by tax and accounting law (typically seven years).
  • Marketing contacts: until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, remember preferences, measure performance, and improve content. Categories include:

  • Essential cookies (required for the site to function)
  • Analytics cookies ([Google Analytics / other])
  • Marketing cookies (only if you consent)

You can control cookies through your browser settings or our cookie banner.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correct inaccurate information.
  • Request deletion of your information (subject to certification recordkeeping requirements).
  • Object to or restrict certain processing.
  • Receive a portable copy of your information.
  • Withdraw consent at any time.
  • Opt out of marketing emails using the unsubscribe link.

To exercise any of these rights, email support@inbgc.org. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.

Region-Specific Rights

  • California residents (CCPA/CPRA): You have the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
  • EU/UK residents (GDPR/UK GDPR): Our lawful bases for processing include contract, consent, legal obligation, and legitimate interests (running a credentialing body and protecting grievers). You may lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
  • Canadian residents (PIPEDA): You may contact us with any concern about how your information is handled.

8. Data Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information — including encryption in transit, access controls, and vendor security reviews. No system is fully secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. If a breach affects your information, we will notify you as required by law.

9. International Data Transfers

INBGC operates primarily in the United States. If you access our services from outside the US, your information will be transferred to and processed in the US, where data protection laws may differ from your country. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

10. Children's Privacy

INBGC services are intended for adults pursuing professional certification. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party sites (training partners, advisory board bios, payment processors). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before sharing information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy as our services, technology, or legal requirements change. We will post the updated version with a new "Last Updated" date. For material changes, we will notify certified coaches and applicants by email.

13. Contact Us

Questions, requests, or complaints about privacy?

Independent National Board for Grief Coaching
670 Meridian Way, Suite 284
Westerville, OH 43085
Email: support@inbgc.org