The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into effect on 25th May 2018. 

It brings higher standards for handling data and greater expectations for improved transparency, enhanced data security and increased accountability for processing personal data.  Schools have a legal duty to comply with the GDPR.

GDPR is replaces the Data Protection Act and is set to strengthen and unify all data held within an organisation.  For schools, GDPR brings a new responsbility to inform parents and stakeholders about how they are using pupil's data and who it is being used by.

What does GDPR mean for schools?

GDPR ensures data is protected and gives individuals more control over their data, however, this means schools will have greater accountability for their data:

• Under GDPR, consent must be explicitly given to anything that isn't within the normal business of the school, especially if it involves a third party managing the data.  Parents must express consent for their child's data to be used outside the normal business of the school.
• Schools must appoint a Data Protection Officer and be able to prove that they are GDPR compliant.
• Schools must ensure that their third party suppliers who may process any of their data is GDPR compliant and must have legally binding contracts with any company that processes any personal data.  
• It will be compulsory that all data breaches which are likely to have a detrimental effect on the data subject are reported to the ICO within 72 hours.