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Adult Learning Privacy Notice

Who are we and what do we do  

Learning and Skills is part of Gateshead Council. We are based at the Civic Centre, Gateshead and provide the following services:   

  • apprenticeship and vocational training  
  • community learning and family learning courses  
  • maths, English, ESOL and digital skills   
  • alternative education for 14 to 16 year old learners  
  • traineeships and study programmes   
  • learning provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities  

This privacy notice provides specific information about how we process your personal data. It is an addition to the information contained in our Corporate privacy notice. 

What type of information is collected about you  

We collect personal information to understand your needs and provide services. Information may include:  

  • name  
  • address, telephone number, email address  
  • date of birth 
  • National Insurance (NI) number  
  • next of kin and emergency contact information  
  • survey or feedback information  
  • student record and academic data  
  • employment record and data  
  • financial details  
  • contract record information - including external third parties  
  • qualifications and professional memberships information 
  • consent record information  
  • health and disability data  
  • criminal conviction information (offences and alleged offences)  
  • equality information  
  • vetting and barring checks   
  • race or ethnic origin  
  • religious or philosophical beliefs  
  • health information  
  • sexual orientation   

How we collect information about you  

We collect information about you directly from you, your employer, or other professionals to ensure that we meet your needs, including through: 

  • applications
  • enquires
  • enrolments completed over the phone, in person and online 
  • cookies to collect information about website usage 

You can see more information on how we collection web usage information on our cookies page.  

Why we need your information 

We need your information to help us to provide the best service to you and ensure that our services reach all residents of the Borough equally. We also need the information to comply with statutory legislation and requirements with the bodies that fund our learning programmes. 

Our purpose for collecting your personal data is: 

  • providing education and support to our students 
  • financial purposes 
  • statutory returns and other legal obligations 
  • sub-contractor and contractor management 
  • data security and integrity management 

The lawful basis for our processing is: 

  • performance of a contract to which data subject is party 
  • legal obligation to which the data controller is subject 
  • task in the public interest 

Our lawful basis for processing of sensitive personal data is: 

  • explicit consent 
  • reasons of substantial public interest (with a basis in law) 

The legislation the service is obliged to comply with includes:   

  • the Children Act 1989; 
  • Children Act 2004 
  • the Education Act 2002 
  • Education and Inspections Act 2006  
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (HMG, Updated September 2016) 
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HMG Updated February 2017) 
  • Care Act 2014 

Who your information can be shared with   

Our Corporate Privacy notice explains information sharing the Council carries out. This sharing fulfils statutory obligations, legal requirements and service delivery. Learning and skills can share your information with:   

  • suppliers and service providers  
  • regulatory bodies  
  • referral agencies  
  • governmental bodies including ESFA, awarding bodies, student finance England  
  • subcontractors  
  • police services  

If we wish to share your information with other council services or third parties for purposes outside of those listed above we will ask your permission.   

How long we will keep your information   

We keep your information for as long as we need to provide services to you. We may also need to keep your information in accordance with legal or other obligations. Where we have no need to keep your data it will be securely destroyed. We keep a Record of Processing Activity (a requirement under the GDPR). This sets out the specific retention periods applicable in different circumstances. For more information please contact: LearningSkills@Gateshead.Gov.Uk 

Where your information is held 

We hold personal information in secure electronic systems on Gateshead council servers.  Paper copies are stored securely within council premises. 

How you can update your information   

Our delivery of efficient services depends on the accuracy of your information.  

Please inform us of any changes to the following:  

  • email address  
  • personal circumstances  
  • postal address  
  • any of the other information we hold  

Please contact: LearningSkills@Gateshead.Gov.Uk  

Your information rights

Please see the relevant section of our Corporate privacy notice.

Marketing and e-newsletters

Please see our email marketing privacy notice.

Business intelligence, profiling and automated-decision making

Please see the relevant section of our Corporate privacy notice.

Protecting your information

Please see the relevant section of our Corporate privacy notice.

Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officer
Civic Centre
Regent Street
Gateshead
NE8 1HH

DPOcouncil@gateshead.gov.uk

0191 433 3000

Information Commissioner's Office

The Information Commissioner is the UK's independent body for upholding information rights. Visit their website to find out more about your rights under Data Protection law, and what to expect from us.

For privacy practices or data protection rights concerns, contact the Information Commissioner's Office:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF

0303 123 1113 or 01625 545 745

casework@ico.org.uk