Information Compliance
Data Protection
The University of Reading needs to use and store certain information about its employees, students and others to allow it to effectively carry out its business, and this information often includes personal data.
The University must process this personal data according to the Data Protection Principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998. This requires the University to collect and use data fairly, to store it safely and not to disclose it to any other person unlawfully. The requirement for the University to comply with this Act, in protecting the rights and privacy of individuals, imposes certain responsibilities on its staff, students and others that they should fully understand; it also sets out certain rights for them of which they should be aware.
The University of Reading has developed its Data Protection Policy to ensure that everyone associated with the University understands their rights and responsibilities. It has also drawn up a series of detailed Data Protection Guidelines to help deal with the everyday implications of the policy.
In addition the IMPS Office can also provide support and guidance for matters concerning data protection. Use contact details opposite.
Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives everyone both in and outside the university a right of access to information held by the University. It covers all digital and paper records and information held by the University whether current or archived.
There are some situations where information should not be released,for instance where the information may be personal data, confidential, or may prejudice the commercial interests of the University. In such cases the information may not be required to be released..
The University Publication Scheme
To help with our obligations under FOI, we have already produced a Publication scheme which details the types of information the university routinely provides to the public and how the public may access the information
Records Management
Our obligation under FOI also requires the University to observe good records management practice. To handle FOI requests within the 20 working day timescale we all need to ensure the information we hold is well managed. The University is developing information management policies, including records management and retention schemes
We also have an office (Information Management & Policy Services) responsible for Freedom of Information:
And we have local "IMPS Contacts" in schools and directorates, to provide a link between Schools/Directorates and the IMPS Office.