Data Protection Act 1998

What the University does with the Information collected from its students

The University collect, holds, uses and discloses personal data and sensitive personal data subject to its regulations, policies and procedures in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. 

In compliance with the Act the University has notified the Information Commissioner of the purposes for which it processes personal data and more details about these are available on the Information Commissioner's website as follows: http://www.ico.gov.uk/ESDWebPages/DoSearch.asp . 

Information contained on the University of Bradford Enrolment Form and other information held by the University, collected from yourself or others (e.g.UCAS) is processed, analysed and stored both in electronic and paper format by the University for a number of purposes, including academic, administrative, statistical and health and safety matters.  This enables the University to carry out its administrative and statutory functions. From time to time we may use your data for test purposes however this data will be anonymised and you will not be identified in this process.

As part of the enrolment procedures, students are asked to consent to the University handling its personal data.  A digital photograph will be collected and stored electronically by the University for the purpose of issuing students with a University Student Identification and Registration Card.  The card also serves as a NUS and University of Bradford Students Union Card.  The image taken may also be used by other officers for identification purposes.  Information about you will continue to be added during your studies but all the data collected will be held in accordance with the principles of the Act. 

In accordance with the legal responsibilities of the Act, the University may, from time to time, also be required to disclose your personal data to a third party/agency.

Below are examples of third parties, but it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive.

• The University Medical Centre/Practice
• Debt Recovery Agents (Acting on behalf of the University to pursue outstanding debts)
• Higher Education Statistics Agency (for statistical purposes and analyses)
• Higher Education Funding Agency for England (HEFCE)
• Plagiarism Detection services/Turnitin UK
• Microsoft, for the provision of the student email service. Click here for Outlook live terms of use 
• Local Authorities in connection with exemption of properties from council tax
• National Student Survey
• NHS Trusts/other student placement providers (student placement activity)
• Police authorities
• Nominated contact (next of kin) but only in the event of a medical emergency
• Prospective employers who may wish to verify enrolment, subject studied and University awards
• Sponsor/Student Loan organisations

You and the National Health Service

If your study is funded via the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority, it will be necessary for the University to provide information on your attendance, progression and completion of study to the Strategic Health Authority.  For Students whom funding is being accessed via the Continuing Education Contract from within the Strategic Health Authority it is also necessary for this information to be provided to your employed NHS Trust.  All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Sponsored Study

If your study is sponsored and your tuition fees are paid by an external organisation, a condition of the sponsorship is that a progression report is made available to the sponsor on request, which includes details of your exam results, a statement about your performance and attendance on your course of study.  You should ensure that you have agreed to these conditions with your sponsor before you accept the sponsorship.  Not all sponsors require this information and the University will only provide it upon receipt of a written request.  Data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Although you may receive financial support from relatives or others to assist with your studies, they are not defined as sponsors subject to the same conditions as detailed above. 

From time to time Officers of the University may take and use student group photographs for publicity materials, University publications and publications that are approved by and produced on behalf of the University.  You have the right to choose not to participate in group photographs and you should indicate your objection to being photographed as situations arise. 

The University may also, from time to time, send you information about activities, products and services.

Student Rights

Students have a right to submit a Subject Access Request and to obtain a copy of the data that is held about them providing they complete a request form and pay the appropriate fee.

Students have a right to object to the use of their personal data for direct marketing purposes.

Students have a right to object to the University processing of any of their data that may be causing distress.

If a student wishes to invoke any of the above rights, they should contact the Legal and Governance Officer, Offices of the Vice-Chancellor. Telephone 01274 233021 or email legal@bradford.ac.uk