Data Protection Policy

Introduction

Sunderland Link School collects and uses personal information about staff, pupils, parents and other individuals who come into contact with the school. This information is gathered in order to enable it to provide education and other associated purposes. In addition, there may be a legal requirement to collect and use information to ensure that the school complies with its statutory obligations.

Schools have a duty to be registered as Data Controllers, with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) detailing the information held and its use. These details are available on the ICO’s website. Schools also have a duty to issue a Fair Processing Notice to all pupils/parents. This summarises the information held on pupils, why it is held and the other parties to whom it may be passed on. The Link School have been registered since September 2014. Registration lasts 2 years.  The last renewal was in September 2016.

What is the Purpose of this Policy?

This policy is intended to ensure that personal information is dealt with correctly and securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, and other related legislation. It will apply to information regardless of the way it is collected, used, recorded, stored and destroyed, and irrespective of whether it is held in paper files or electronically.

All staff involved with the collection, processing and disclosure of personal data will be aware of their duties and responsibilities by adhering to these guidelines.

What is Personal Information?

Personal information or data is defined as data which relates to a living individual who can be identified from that data, or other information held.

General Statement

The school is committed to maintaining the above principles at all times. Therefore the school will:

• Inform individuals why the information is being collected when it is collected
• Inform individuals when their information is shared, and why and with whom it was shared
• Check the quality and the accuracy of the information it holds
• Ensure that information is not retained for longer than is necessary
• Ensure that when obsolete information is destroyed it is done so Appropriately and securely
• Ensure that clear and robust safeguards are in place to protect personal information from loss, theft and unauthorised disclosure, irrespective of the format in which it is recorded
• Share information with others only when it is legally appropriate to do so
• Set out procedures to ensure compliance with the duty to respond to requests for access to personal information, known as Subject Access Requests
• Ensure our staff are aware of and understand our policies and procedures

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You can read our full Data Protection Policy by downloading the PDF below:

  Data Protection Policy – PDF