Data Protection Matters

 

Data Protection Matters!

 

We live in a data-driven world and to most of us process personal data in some way or the other. Processing includes a wide range of operations performed on personal data, including collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, disclosure, erasure or destruction of personal data.

 

A data breach might seem like a temporary setback, but from the perspective of affected individuals, especially those in vulnerable situations a breach can have far reaching consequences that disrupts their lives in ways that you may not fully appreciate. For example, failing to blind copy (BCC) a student into an email about LGBTQ+ communities on campus could lead someone to think that student is a member of the LGBTQ+ community which can lead to the student becoming a victim of hate crime, or even homeless if their family becomes aware and they are unsupportive.

 

The University is entrusted with personal data from all sorts of people ranging from applicants and students to staff and even research participants. The University takes its responsibility towards individuals’ privacy very seriously and is committed to compliance with its obligations under data protection law.

 

Protecting personal data held by the University and processing this in compliance with the laws is each and every staff member’s responsibility. It is therefore important that you process personal data with care and follow the University’s guidance in keeping data safe and secure.

 

The Data Protection Team has a range of guidance and information available to support you in the University’s Data Protection Hub here: Data Protection You can easily access the Data Protection Hub from the Staffhub MyHud > Legal Office > Data Protection

 

Here are some useful sections that you have access to:

 

If you are struggling to get to grips with a Data Protection question, you can find a list of Data Protection Champions here. Find My Champion.  Each School and Service has a champion, and they should be your first port of call for your data protection queries.

 

DP Wiki   - Our wiki is your one stop shop to find basic information about what Data Protection is, and what your responsibilities are to help you structure your work and projects in a Data Protection compliant way.

 

Downloadable guidance – This section holds a wide range of guidance that you can share with your team relating to best practices, useful tips to prevent any data breach incidents, guidance on using personal data in research, guidance on handling third-party request for personal data etc.

 

If you need to report a data breach incident, please complete this form ASAP New item | Data Breach Reporting  We will review, complete the risk assessment and support you to mitigate the situation.

 

Finally, subscribe to the Data Protection News Updates for topical and timely updates on real world Data Protection examples in the news, including lessons learnt, top tips for compliance and other guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

 

Remember you are all responsible for processing personal data safely and accountability is at the centre of data protection compliance!