Data Protection Statement

Data Protection Statement for Student Registration

The information the College will store about its students and student apprentices, how it will be used, and other information about data protection.

This Data Protection Statement applies to students and student apprentices registering after 1 August 2020.

Understanding Data Protection

While you are a student at BCET and after you cease to be a student, the College needs to collect, store, use and disclose certain data about you for purposes connected with your studies, including providing services to applicants, current students and alumni.

By registering at BCET as a student, you consent to the College collecting, storing, using and disclosing data about you for purposes connected with your studies, your health and safety, and for other legitimate educational and administrative reasons while you are a student, and also for certain purposes after you cease to be a student, as detailed in this document.

When we process data about you, we do so in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. These establish the legal framework for how personal information can be collected, stored, used and disclosed. This statement highlights how information about you will be processed.

This statement applies to all students regardless of age; therefore, if you are under 18, you will be treated the same as students over 18 for data protection purposes.

Understanding What Student Information BCET Will Store

BCET will collect data about you during your application, registration and throughout your time with us. We may also receive information from external organisations such as UCAS or referees.

Examples of the data we may hold include:

• Your name
• Your contact details
• Emergency contact details (you must confirm you have their consent)
• Your date of birth
• Nationality
• Ethnic origin (where provided)
• Academic history and qualifications
• Academic records while at BCET, including awards achieved
• Any declared disabilities
• Relevant medical information (e.g. counselling records)
• Proof of address
• Fee information and sponsorship details
• Use of College facilities
• Disciplinary records (if applicable)
• Your digital photograph for student ID

How the Data Will Be Used

BCET will only process your data fairly, lawfully and securely. Your confidentiality will always be respected.

Examples of how your data may be used include:

• Administering your studies and academic progress
• Supporting pastoral and welfare needs
• Supporting medical needs or emergencies
• Managing tuition fees and financial matters
• Providing access to facilities and services
• Producing statistics and evaluating course effectiveness
• Supporting equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring
• Providing careers and placement information
• Communicating relevant student information
• Employment processes (if you work for the College)
• Security and disciplinary processes
• Audit and quality assurance
• Marketing and alumni relations

BCET may also record lectures, events and activities. Such recordings may include images, voices and contributions from students. You consent to this and to BCET using such material for educational, promotional and marketing purposes, including the College website and social media platforms.

Sharing the Data

BCET will only disclose your information where legally permitted, required, or with your consent.

Examples include:

• Students’ Union – to support welfare, services and compliance monitoring
• Alumni Services – unless you request removal
• Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) – for statutory records and reporting
• National Student Survey (NSS) – to enable participation where applicable
• Third-party surveys – e.g. sector rankings or educational research bodies
• Sponsors and funding bodies – including Student Finance, embassies or sponsors
• References and qualification verification – award details may be public record
• Graduation services – to support ceremony operations
• Law enforcement or statutory authorities – where legally required
• Quality assurance bodies – such as Ofsted or QAA
• Debt recovery – where applicable
• Data verification – with relevant institutions or agencies

Where third parties process your data on behalf of BCET, appropriate contractual safeguards are in place.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

BCET will take reasonable steps to keep your information accurate. However, you are responsible for providing accurate information and notifying the College promptly of any changes.

Understanding Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right:

• To object to direct marketing
• To object to processing that causes significant harm or distress (subject to legal limitations)
• To request correction of inaccurate data
• To request erasure of data in certain circumstances
• To access your personal data

Obtaining Advice or Further Information

If you have concerns about how your data is processed, please contact:

Data Protection Compliance
Email: compliance@bcet.uk or info@bcet.uk

Useful guidance:
HESA Data Protection Guidance: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/about/regulation/data-protection/notices

Student Apprentices

If you are a student apprentice, BCET will also:

• Disclose data to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and your employer where required under funding rules
• Regularly share progression and apprenticeship information with your employer

ESFA Privacy Notice
All apprentices must read the ESFA Privacy Notice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-privacy-notice