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Human Resources Recruitment Privacy Notice

Who are we and what do we do 

Recruitment is part of human resources at Gateshead Council. We are based at the Civic Centre, Gateshead. 

We provide the following services:  

  • recruitment of employees into the Council 

This privacy notice provides specific information about how we process your personal data in relation to recruitment, it is an addition to the information contained in our Corporate Privacy Notice.   

What type of information is collected about you 

When you apply for a role with us personal data collected is as follows: 

  • name 
  • e-mail address 
  • address 
  • date of birth 
  • employment history  
  • gender  
  • National Insurance Number 
  • nationality  
  • marital status 
  • professional registration  
  • qualifications 
  • skills and experience 

Special category data we collected is as follows: 

  • disability  
  • health information  
  • race / ethnic origin 
  • religion or philosophical belief 
  • sexual orientation 
  • where applicable, criminal convictions   

How we collect information about you 

The Council collects information about you in a variety of ways. Data is collected through: 

  • job application forms or CVs 
  • copies of your qualifications  
  • right to work checks (relating to your eligibility to work in the UK) 
  • bank details form 
  • information provided by your referees  
  • next of kin form  
  • obtaining proof of your professional registration (where applicable) 
  • obtaining medical clearance  
  • any additional information provided by you at interview or assessments, or in correspondence with you 

Where the job requires it, we may need to gather information relating to criminal convictions and any restrictions on working with vulnerable adults or children (obtained via a Disclosure and Barring Service check and Barred List check). 

Why we need your information  

When you apply for a role with Gateshead Council, we ask for personal information for recruitment and statistical purposes. We may use your information for the following purposes:  

  • communication with you throughout the recruitment process 
  • consideration of your application in respect of the job you have applied for 
  • determination of whether you will proceed to the next stages 
  • for obtaining information from your referees 
  • to carry out checks on your right to work in the UK 
  • to determine any other factors which may affect your suitability for the role (for example, criminal record, disqualification from childcare or working with vulnerable adults, fitness for the role, prohibition from teaching) 

Our purpose for collecting your personal data is for recruitment and statutory purposes and the lawful basis for our processing is: 

  • legal obligation to which the data controller is subject (Public Sector Equality Duty (S.149 of the Equality Act 2010) 
  • contract 

Our lawful basis for processing of sensitive personal data is:  

  • employment, social security and social protection (if authorised by law) 

Who your information can be shared with 

Our Corporate Privacy notice sets out the general types of information sharing that the Council carries out to fulfil statutory obligations, legal requirements and service delivery. Human Resources can share your information with: 

  • the recruiting manager and selection panel 
  • occupational health 
  • human resources support 
  • payroll 
  • expert partners (such as employment law solicitors, employment tribunals or courts of law) 

Our lawful basis for this sharing is as follows and your consent is not required: 

  • contract 
  • legal Obligation as set by the Public Sector Equality Duty (S.149 of the Equality Act 2010) 
  • legal obligation in proceedings which the Council has to comply with 

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

Where your information is held 

Data is stored in IT systems (including the Council's network and email system). Online application information will be stored securely on servers maintained by Midland HR (the Council's HR & Payroll software provider). Staff processing your information will do so in an authorised manner and are subject to a duty of confidentiality. 

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 HRstrategic@gateshead.onmicrosoft.com

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