SERC is a “data controller” for the purposes of Data Protection legislation. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about you. This privacy notice explains how we hold and use any personal information we collect about you before, during and after your working relationship with us.

The College will process all personal data in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 for the purpose of providing support for your educational needs so that you have equality of opportunity. Your personal information will be used for assessment and to draw up a learning plan. We will never ask for information that is unnecessary to deliver this service.

SERC is the Data Controller registered with the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) and is responsible under the Data Protection Act 2018 for the personal data that you submit to us.

The Data Protection Officer for the College is Sian Harvey

Lawful Basis for Processing

Personal Data

As a FE College our main lawful basis for processing your personal data are as follows

Article 6.1 (a) - the data subject has given consent to the processing of his or her personal data for one or more specific purposes e.g. consent to contact next of kin
Article 6.1 (c) - processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject; e.g. Disability Discrimination Act 1995, SENDO
Article 6.1 (e) - processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller. On behalf of the Department for the Economy (DfE), our role is provide you with quality education. e.g. The Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, Additional Support Funds Circular (FE 04/17)

On occasions we may be required to process your personal data for other reasons however we will only do so where a Lawful Basis applies.

Special Category Data

We are also required to collect, process and maintain special category data such as data concerning your health, disability, learning need or long-term health condition. Our lawful basis for processing this information is mainly:

Article 9.2(g) - processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest, on the basis of Union or Member State law which shall be proportionate to the aim pursued, respect the essence of the right to data protection and provide for suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and the interests of the data subject;
Schedule 1(8) Data Protection Act (2018) - Equality of opportunity or treatment
Schedule 1(16) Data Protection Act (2018) - Support for individuals with a particular disability or medical condition

Further information is available in the College Appropriate Policy Document.

Categories of Personal Data

Personal data and special category data captured may include:

Name
Date of birth
Disability/Medical condition
Contact details
Previous support history
Medical evidence

Information may be obtained directly from the individual, or in some cases from a third party organisation involved in the services provided by the College that has obtained the information in the first instance.

The College will only collect the necessary information required for these purposes is obtained and processed, and without it the College may not be able to fulfil its obligations. Information is passed between various sections of the College for operational reasons and where a lawful basis exists to process as is necessary and proportionate for intended purposes only.

How do we Collect Personal Data?

We collect personal information about students and employees through the initial application stages from you, internal departmental processes, manual forms, telephone calls, disclosures from you and on-line systems.

Who will have access to my information, or who will you share it with?

We will share personal information with third parties where required to do so by law, where it is necessary to administer the working relationship with you or where there is a third party legitimate interest in doing so e.g. Learning Support Co-ordinators, examination bodies/personnel, your individual tutors and your support worker if applicable. Your information may also be passed on to relevant staff within a work placement that you might be attending to ensure your safety and that all support is accessible to you to complete your education. Your information may also be passed to relevant third parties with a legal or medical responsibility to you.

We require third party service providers to respect the security of your data and to treat it in accordance with the law.

For full details on our Privacy Notice and your Rights, please visit our website Customer Privacy Notice