Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Our Data Protection Officer (DPO) helps ensure that the school manages personal information responsibly, securely and in accordance with data protection legislation. The DPO provides independent advice on data protection matters, monitors compliance with legal requirements and supports the school in maintaining high standards of information governance.

The DPO can assist with queries relating to how personal data is collected, used, stored or shared, and acts as a point of contact for parents, carers, pupils, staff and external organisations on data protection matters.

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) in a school plays a key role in ensuring that personal information is collected, stored, shared and used lawfully and securely. The DPO helps the school comply with data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Key responsibilities of a school Data Protection Officer include:

• Advising on data protection compliance by providing guidance to school leaders, governors and staff on their legal responsibilities.
• Monitoring policies and procedures to ensure the school handles personal data appropriately and follows good information governance practices.
• Supporting staff training so that employees understand how to protect sensitive information and respond to data protection issues.
• Conducting or advising on data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) when the school introduces new systems or processes that involve personal data.
• Acting as a point of contact for pupils, parents, staff and regulatory authorities on matters relating to data protection.
• Helping manage data breaches, including advising on investigation, containment and reporting requirements where necessary.
• Promoting secure record keeping by ensuring that personal information is retained only for as long as necessary and disposed of safely.
• Monitoring compliance with individuals’ rights, such as requests to access personal information, correct inaccurate records or exercise other rights under data protection law.
• Providing independent advice to the school while reporting to its senior leadership or governing body on data protection matters.

In practice, the DPO helps foster a culture where privacy and confidentiality are embedded in everyday school operations. This is particularly important in schools, where highly sensitive information about children, families and staff is routinely processed. By ensuring robust data protection practices, the DPO helps maintain trust, reduce risk and safeguard the rights of everyone in the school community.

If you have any questions about the school’s use of personal information or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact the school office, who will direct your enquiry to the Data Protection Officer.

Data Protection Officer Contact Details

Website:      Keeffe and Associates – Specialists in Human Resources and Employment Law

Phone No:  Wigan Office: 01942 554081 Chorley Office: 01257 367756  Mobile:  07845803950

Email: Matt@keeffeandassociates.co.uk

Address:     Registered Office: 24 Preston Road, Standish, WN6 0HS / Trading Address: 1st Floor, Unit D, Kings Croft Court, Sovereign Business Park, Wigan WN1 3AP