Introduction

Spokz People c.i.c. need to collect and use certain types of information about the Data Subjects who come into contact with it in order to carry on our work. This personal information must be collected and dealt with appropriately– whether on paper, in a computer, or recorded on other material - and there are safeguards to ensure this under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Online counsellors, because they store and process your personal data on computers, are required to be registered data controllers. As a non-for-profit organisation Spokz People c.i.c. are exempt from this requirement, though we choose to voluntarily abide by all legal requirements relating to personal data storage and the data protection principles of the Data Protection Act. Please visit www.ico.gov.uk for more information.

The following list of definitions below explain the technical terms which have been used in this policy.

• Data Controller – The person who (either alone or with others) decides what personal information the Spokz People c.i.c. will hold and how it will be held or used. The Data Contoller is: Mèlani Halacre.
• Data Protection Act 1998 – The UK legislation that provides a framework for responsible behaviour by those using personal information.
• Data Protection Officer – The person(s) responsible for ensuring that it follows its data protection policy and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 is Mèlani Halacre.
• Data Subject/Service User – The individual whose personal information is being held or processed by an Spokz People c.i.c. (for example: a client, an employee, a supporter).
• ‘Explicit’ consent – is a freely given, specific and informed agreement by a Data Subject (see definition) to the processing* of personal information* about her/him.   Explicit consent is needed for processing sensitive* data.* See definition.
• Notification – Notifying the Information Commissioner about the data processing activities of Spokz People c.i.c. as certain activities may be exempt from notification.
• Information Commissioner – The UK Information Commissioner responsible for implementing and overseeing the Data Protection Act 1998.
• Processing – means collecting, amending, handling, storing or disclosing personal information.
• Personal Information – Information about living individuals that enables them to be identified – e.g. name and address. It does not apply to information about companies and agencies but applies to named persons or employees within an Spokz People c.i.c..

Sensitive data – means data about:

• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions
• Religious or similar beliefs
• Trade union membership
• Physical or mental health
• Sexual life
• Criminal record
• Criminal proceedings relating to a data subject’s offences

 

Data Controller

Spokz People c.i.c. is the Data Controller (though not registered), which means that it determines what purposes personal information held will be used for. It is also responsible for notifying the Information Commissioner of the data it holds or is likely to hold, and the general purposes that this data will be used for.

 

Disclosure

Spokz People c.i.c. may share data with other agencies such as the local authority, funding bodies and other voluntary agencies.
The Data Subject will be made aware in most circumstances how and with whom their information will be shared.  There are circumstances where the law allows Spokz People c.i.c. to disclose data (including sensitive data) without the data subject’s consent.   These are:

1. Carrying out a legal duty or as authorised by the Secretary of State.
2. Protecting vital interests of a Data Subject or other person.
3. The Data Subject has already made the information public.
4. Conducting any legal proceedings, obtaining legal advice or defending any legal rights. 
5. Monitoring for equal opportunities purposes – i.e. race, disability or religion.
6. Providing a confidential service where the Data Subject’s consent cannot be obtained or where it is reasonable to proceed without consent: e.g. where we would wish to avoid forcing stressed or ill Data Subjects to provide consent signatures.

Spokz People c.i.c. regards the lawful and correct treatment of personal information as very important to successful working, and to maintaining the confidence of those with whom we deal.  Spokz People c.i.c. intends to ensure that personal information is treated lawfully and correctly.

To this end Spokz People c.i.c. will adhere to the Principles of Data Protection, as detailed in the Data Protection Act 1998.
Specifically, the Principles require that personal information:

• shall be processed fairly and lawfully and, in particular, shall not be processed unless specific conditions are met,
• shall be obtained only for one or more of the purposes specified in the Act, and shall not be processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes,
• shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to those purpose(s),
• shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date,
• shall not be kept for longer than is necessary,
• shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under the Act,
• shall be kept secure by the Data Controller who takes appropriate technical and other measures to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing or accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal information,
• shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal information.

Spokz People c.i.c. will, through appropriate management, strict application of criteria and controls:

• observe fully conditions regarding the fair collection and use of information,
• meet its legal obligations to specify the purposes for which information is used,
• collect and process appropriate information, and only to the extent that it is needed to fulfil its operational needs or to comply with any legal requirements,
• ensure the quality of information used,
• ensure that the rights of people about whom information is held, can be fully exercised under the Act. (These include:
• the right to be informed that processing is being undertaken,
• the right of access to one’s personal information,
• the right to prevent processing in certain circumstances and,
• the right to correct, rectify, block or erase information which is regarded as wrong information),
• take appropriate technical and organisational security measures to safeguard personal information,
• ensure that personal information is not transferred abroad without suitable safeguards,
• treat people justly and fairly whatever their age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity when dealing with requests for information,
• set out clear procedures for responding to requests for information.

 

Data collection

Informed consent is when:

• a Data Subject clearly understands why their information is needed, who it will be shared with, the possible consequences of them agreeing or refusing the proposed use of the data,
• and then gives their consent. 

Spokz People c.i.c. will ensure that data is collected within the boundaries defined in this policy. This applies to data that is collected in person, or by completing a form.
When collecting data, Spokz People c.i.c. will ensure that the Data Subject:

• clearly understands why the information is needed,
• understands what it will be used for and what the consequences are should the Data Subject decide not to give consent to processing,
• as far as reasonably possible, grants explicit consent, either written or verbal for data to be processed,
• is, as far as reasonably practicable, competent enough to give consent and has given so freely without any duress,
• has received sufficient information on why their data is needed and how it will be used.

 

Data Storage

Information and records relating to service users will be stored securely and will only be accessible to authorised staff and volunteers.
Information will be stored for only as long as it is needed or required statute and will be disposed of appropriately.
It is Spokz People c.i.c.'s responsibility to ensure all personal and company data is non-recoverable from any computer system previously used within the organisation which has been passed on/sold to a third party.

 

Data access and accuracy

All Data Subjects have the right to access the information Spokz People c.i.c.  holds about them.  Spokz People c.i.c. will also take reasonable steps ensure that this information is kept up to date by asking data subjects whether there have been any changes. In addition, Spokz People c.i.c. will ensure that:

• it has a Data Protection Officer with specific responsibility for ensuring compliance with Data Protection,
• everyone processing personal information understands that they are contractually responsible for following good data protection practice,
• everyone processing personal information is appropriately trained to do so,
• everyone processing personal information is appropriately supervised,
• anybody wanting to make enquiries about handling personal information knows what to do,
• it deals promptly and courteously with any enquiries about handling personal information,
• it describes clearly how it handles personal information,
• it will regularly review and audit the ways it hold, manage and use personal information
• it regularly assesses and evaluates its methods and performance in relation to handling personal information 
• all staff are aware that a breach of the rules and procedures identified in this policy may lead to disciplinary action being taken against them.

This policy will be updated as necessary to reflect best practice in data management, security and control and to ensure compliance with any changes or amendments made to the Data Protection Act 1998.

In case of any queries or questions in relation to this policy please contact Spokz People c.i.c.’s Data Protection Officer.