Data Protection in the Education Sector
Those who work in Education are party to personal and sensitive information relating to some of the most vulnerable individuals in society, making compliance with data protection laws and following best practice guidelines particularly crucial.
With enforcement of the Data Protection Act becoming more stringent and the Information Commissioner’s Office pushing for greater deterrents to prevent unlawful use of personal data – including prison sentences – it is more important than ever for educational bodies to understand what steps they must take to comply.
This summary covers key elements of data protection legislation as well as essential education sector-specific guidance and includes:
- A summary of relevant Department for Education guidance
- What the Data Protection Act covers and who must comply
- Penalties for non-compliance
- Practical steps educational establishments can take to avoid serious and damaging data breaches
