Data Protection

All organisations that handle personal information are required to comply with the Data Protection Act. A "subject access request" allows people to find out what information is held about them - electronically and in some paper records.

Companies must adhere to strict regulations regarding privacy and disclosure. Yet as with many areas of the law, the regulations can be complex.

Data Protection will enable learners to understand issues such as choice, consent, transparency, security and the legislation. They will learn how to handle data correctly and how to respond to requests for information.

Data Protection enables the learner to:

• Understand their commercial and legal responsibilities
• Handle data securely, competently and effectively
• Respond correctly to requests, providing the appropriate information
• Put in place, and adhere to, the required policies and procedures
• Take the practical steps needed to ensure organisational compliance

Learning outcomes:

• What is privacy and data protection?
• What are the current legal arrangements for privacy in the UK?
• What are the Eight Principles of Data Protection?
• What the law says
• To whom does data protection apply?
• To what information does data protection apply?
• What is the difference between personal data and sensitive data?
• Does the Act give people specific rights?
• What are the exemptions?
• Is the Data Protection Act enforceable?

Duties and obligations

• What key concepts do data controllers need to understand?
• What about data collected via surveillance and CCTV?
• How do we comply with the Eight Data Protection principles?

Decision making

• What is Durant?
• What about confidentiality?
• What happens if we get it wrong?
• Why would we receive subject access requests?

Policies and procedures

• Do we have to log the requests we receive?
• How do we get consent?
• What if we don’t manage our information very well?

Target audience: This course is aimed at all those who work with personal data (eg. researchers, practitioners, employees, students etc) and need to comply with the Data Protection Act. It provides essential background information and an overview for newcomers whilst those who are more experienced can use the course as a refresher.

Duration: 3 hours

See also: Freedom of Information

Price:
members: £50 (+VAT)
non-members: £100 (+VAT)

To buy this course online please visit the 'Data Protection (e-Learning)' page on the BPS Shop.

Unfortunately the BPS Shop is unable to accept Maestro payments at this time. If you would like to pay in this way please use the e-Learning Maestro card payment registration form

How do I access a course?
Within 5 working days of receving an email confirming your course purchase you will receive another email with a course access key. Each course access key is valid for 92 days from the date of first use.

Follow the instructions in the email to access the BPS e-Learning course gateway. Here you will need to register for a username and password. Once you have registered, enter the activation code to access the course.

Enquires and questions relating to BPS Learning Centre e-Learning courses should be directed to learningcentre@bps.org.uk.