Data Protection Policy

  1. A)    INTRODUCTION

We may have to collect and use information about people with whom we work.  This personal information must be handled and dealt with properly, however it is collected, recorded and used, and whether it be on paper, in computer records or recorded by any other means.

We regard the lawful and correct treatment of personal information as very important to our successful operation and to maintaining confidence between us and those with whom we carry out business.  We will ensure that we treat personal information lawfully and correctly.

To this end we fully endorse and adhere to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This policy applies to the processing of personal data in manual and electronic records kept by us as described below. It also covers our response to any data breach and other rights under the GDPR.

This policy applies to the personal data of job applicants, existing and former employees, apprentices, learners, volunteers, placement students, workers and self-employed contractors and employers. These are referred to in this policy as relevant individuals.

  1. B)    DEFINITIONS

“Personal data” is information that relates to an identifiable person who can be directly or indirectly identified from that information, for example, a person’s name, identification number, location, online identifier. It can also include pseudonymised data.

“Special categories of personal data” is data which relates to an individual’s health, sex life, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, political opinion, religion, and trade union membership. It also includes genetic and biometric data (where used for ID purposes).

“Criminal offence data” is data which relates to an individual’s criminal convictions and offences.

“Data processing” is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

  1. C)    DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

Under GDPR, Data Protection Act (2018)  all personal data obtained and held by us must be processed according to a set of core principles. In accordance with these principles, we will ensure that:

  1. a)     processing will be fair, lawful and transparent
  2. b)    data be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes
  3. c)     data collected will be adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purposes of processing
  4. d)    data will be kept accurate and up to date. Data which is found to be inaccurate will be rectified or erased without delay
  5. e)    data is not kept for longer than is necessary for its given purpose
  6. f)     data will be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of personal data including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction or damage by using appropriate technical or organisation measures
  7. g)    we will comply with the relevant GDPR procedures for international transferring of personal data
  8. D)    TYPES OF DATA HELD

We keep several categories of personal data in order to carry out effective and efficient processes. We keep this data in a personnel file relating to each individual and we also hold the data within our computer systems.

Information on those processing activities are included in our privacy notices for employees, learners and employers.

  1. E)    AN INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHTS

You have the following rights in relation to the personal data we hold on you:

  1. a)     the right to be informed about the data we hold on you and what we do with it;
  2. b)    the right of access to the data we hold on you.
  3. c)     the right for any inaccuracies in the data we hold on you, however they come to light, to be corrected. This is also known as ‘rectification’;
  4. d)    the right to have data deleted in certain circumstances. This is also known as ‘erasure’;
  5. e)     the right to restrict the processing of the data;
  6. f)     the right to transfer the data we hold on you to another party. This is also known as ‘portability’;
  7. g)    the right to object to the inclusion of any information;
  8. h)    the right to regulate any automated decision-making and profiling of personal data.
  9. F)    RESPONSIBILITIES

In order to protect the personal data of relevant individuals, those within our business who must process data as part of their role have been made aware of our policies on data protection.

We have also appointed employees with responsibility for reviewing and auditing our data protection systems.

  1. G) LAWFUL BASES OF PROCESSING

We acknowledge that processing may be only be carried out where a lawful basis for that processing exists and we have assigned a lawful basis against each processing activity.

Where no other lawful basis applies, we may seek to rely on the individual’s consent in order to process data.

However, we recognise the high standard attached to its use. We understand that consent must be freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous. Where consent is to be sought, we will do so on a specific and individual basis where appropriate. Individuals will be given clear instructions on the desired processing activity, informed of the consequences of their consent and of their clear right to withdraw consent at any time.

  1. H) ACCESS TO DATA

As stated above, individuals have a right to access the personal data that we hold on them. We will comply with requests without delay, and within one month unless, in accordance with legislation, we decide that an extension is required. Those who make a request will be kept fully informed of any decision to extend the time limit.

HOW TO PROCESS A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) REQUEST

Once the request is received which will either be in letter, email or fax.

The information received should contain the individuals name, contact address, details of the information requested eg you may only want a summary.  The individual may ask for the information in a particular format eg paper or electronic copies, large print, audio format.

No charge will be made for complying with a request unless the request is manifestly unfounded, excessive or repetitive, or unless a request is made for duplicate copies to be provided to parties other than the individual making the request. In these circumstances, a reasonable charge will be applied.

  1. I) DATA DISCLOSURES

The Company may be required to disclose certain data/information to any person. The circumstances leading to such disclosures may include:

  1. a)     any employee benefits operated by third parties;
  2. b)    third party contractual requirements
  3. c)     disabled individuals – whether any reasonable adjustments are required to assist them at work;
  4. d)    individuals’ health data – to comply with health and safety or occupational health obligations
  5. e)     for Statutory Sick Pay purposes;
  6. f)     the smooth operation of any employee insurance policies or pension plans;
  7. g)    to assist law enforcement or a relevant authority to prevent or detect crime or prosecute offenders or to assess or collect any tax or duty.

These kinds of disclosures will only be made when strictly necessary for the purpose.

  1. J) DATA SECURITY

All our employees are aware that hard copy personal information should be kept in a locked filing cabinet, drawer, or safe.

Employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities when their role involves the processing of data.  All employees are instructed to store files or written information of a confidential nature in a secure manner so that are only accessed by people who have a need and a right to access them and to ensure that screen locks are implemented on all PCs, laptops etc. when unattended. No files or written information of a confidential nature are to be left where they can be read by unauthorised people.

Where data is computerised, it should be coded, encrypted or password protected both on a local hard drive and on a network drive that is regularly backed up. If a copy is kept on removable storage media, that media must itself be kept in a locked filing cabinet, drawer, or safe.

Employees must always use the passwords provided to access the computer system and not abuse them by passing them on to people who should not have them.

Personal data relating to individuals should not be kept or transported on laptops, USB sticks, or similar devices, unless prior authorisation has been received. Where personal data is recorded on any such device it should be protected by:

  1. a)     ensuring that data is recorded on such devices only where absolutely necessary.
  2. b)    using an encrypted system — a folder should be created to store the files that need extra protection and all files created or moved to this folder should be automatically encrypted.
  3. c)     ensuring that laptops or USB drives are not left where they can be stolen.

Publication of Digital and Video Images – these are managed to ensure compliance with legislation.  This includes ensuring that any digital and video images are only recorded on a devise belonging to Prospect Training (Yorkshire) Limited.   Personal devices are strictly prohibited.

Parental permission must be gained when publishing personal images on the internet, or within other publications if the learners involved are under the age of 18.   All digital images must be securely stored and disposed of in accordance with the regulations.  Our staff are encouraged to use digital and video images to promote the quality of their teaching and learning but must follow guidance on the risks.

Failure to follow the Company’s rules on data security may be dealt with via the Company’s disciplinary procedure. Appropriate sanctions include dismissal with or without notice dependent on the severity of the failure.

  1. G)   THIRD PARTY PROCESSING

Where we engage third parties to process data on our behalf, we will ensure, via a data processing agreement with the third party, that the third party takes such measures in order to maintain the Company’s commitment to protecting data.

Where we act as the data processor for third parties we will maintain our commitment to meeting GDPR requirements.

  1. H)    INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

The Company may be required to transfer personal data to a country outside of the EEA. Transfers may take place because our data controller is located for part of the year outside of the EEA. However, where this occurs, standard data protection rules will be applied.

  1. I)      REQUIREMENT TO NOTIFY BREACHES

All data breaches will be recorded on our Data Breach Register. Where legally required, we will report a breach to the Information Commissioner within 72 hours of discovery. In addition, where legally required, we will inform the individual whose data was subject to breach.

More information on breach notification is available in our Breach Notification policy.

  1. J)    TRAINING

Individuals must read and understand the policies on data protection as part of their induction to our company.

All employees receive training covering basic information about confidentiality, data protection and the actions to take upon identifying a potential data breach.

All staff are informed at induction and continually updated on any changes regarding their rights and responsibilities in the taking, using, sharing, publication and distribution of images and the associated risks. See Induction check list version 14

The nominated data controller/auditors/protection officers for the Company are trained appropriately in their roles under the GDPR.

All employees who need to use the computer system are trained to protect individuals’ private data, to ensure data security, and to understand the consequences to them as individuals and the Company of any potential lapses and breaches of the Company’s policies and procedures.

  1. K)    RECORDS

The Company keeps records of its processing activities including the purpose for the processing and retention periods. These records will be kept up to date so that they reflect current processing activities.

  1. L)    DATA PROTECTION COMPLIANCE

Our appointed compliance officer in respect of our data protection activities is:

Janice Black

Telephone: 01709 586600

Published date: 17th December 2019

The latest review date: 7th May 2024

The date the next review is due:  7th May 2025

Responsibility: Janice Black

Job Title:  Managing Director