Data Science Accelerator privacy notice
Published on 1 July 2022
The Data Science Accelerator is a capability-building programme which gives analysts from across the public sector the opportunity to develop their data science skills. It started in 2015 and is administrated by the Data Science Campus team at the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The data controller is the ONS – a data controller determines how and why personal data can be processed. Read the ONS’s entry in the Data Protection Public Register for more information.
This notice sets out how we will use your personal data, and your rights.
What data we collect from you
For all applicants, mentors, and volunteers (such as sift panels), the personal data we collect from you may include:
- names
- email addresses
- department names
- job title and grade
- personal address and telephone number (should you require loan of a laptop to participate in the programme)
When organising events, we will also gather accessibility and dietary requirements that may include health data.
When tracking participants, we will collect information about your role and profession.
We may send out surveys to ensure equal opportunities and diversity are part of our service. We use a survey tool which may ask:
- your gender
- your ethnicity
- whether you have a disability
Legal basis for processing your data
The legal basis for processing your personal data is in the exercise of our public task as a government department acting in our official capacity.
In this case, that is the Data Science Campus’ cross-government function to build capability in data science among public sector officials.
The legal basis for processing your sensitive personal data is in the exercise of our obligations as the data controller.
Our legal basis for undertaking any surveys associated with the Data Science programme is your consent.
Why we need your data
We process your personal data in order to:
- organise the Data Science Accelerator events
- measure the impact of the programme by collecting feedback from participants and their line managers after completing the course
- track participants and alumni once they’ve graduated so that we can see the impact of their development – for example, whether they move into a data science role
- ask for support in promoting or running future iterations of the programme
- ensure our service is able to attract participants from diverse backgrounds to promote equal opportunities
What we do with your data
We will share personal data with:
- sift panellists and mentors from the public sector
- the Government Digital Service (GDS)
- our data processors who provide email, and document management and storage services (as your personal data will be stored on our IT infrastructure)
We share statistical data only (not personal data) with our stakeholders in government including the Civil Service analytical professions (statistics, economics, operational research and social research).
Survey data is anonymised – your personal data cannot be identified from any survey response submitted.
How long we keep your data
We will keep your personal data for a maximum of 5 years, to allow us to assess the impact of the course on participants. We will review personal data on an annual basis to ensure data is accurate and up to date.
Where your data is processed and stored
All data collected will be securely stored in our internal systems and securely shared with our data processors in the UK/EEA.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- object to the processing of your personal data
- request information about how your personal data is processed, and to request a copy of that personal data
- request that any inaccuracies in your personal data are rectified without delay
- request that any incomplete personal data is completed, including by means of a supplementary statement
- request that your personal data is erased if there is no longer a justification for them to be processed in certain circumstances (for example, where accuracy is contested) to request that the processing of your personal data is restricted
- object to the processing of your personal data where it is processed for direct marketing purposes
Where you have provided consent, you can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us on the details below.
Changes to this notice
We may change this privacy notice. When we make changes to this notice, the ‘last updated’ date at the beginning of this page will also change. Any changes to this privacy notice will apply to you and your data immediately. If these changes affect how your personal data is processed, the ONS will take reasonable steps to make sure you know.
Questions and complaints
The data controller for your personal data is the Office for National Statistics.
If you have any questions about this privacy notice contact the Data Protection Officer (DPO).
The Data Protection Officer provides advice and monitors Cabinet Office’s use of personal information. If you have any concerns about how your personal data has been handled, please contact the DPO:
Data Protection Officer
Office for National Statistics
Segensworth Road
Titchfield, Fareham
Hampshire
PO15 5RR
dpo@statistics.gov.uk
If you have a complaint, you can also contact the Information Commissioner, who is an independent regulator set up to uphold information rights.
Email: icocasework@ico.org.uk
Contact form: https://ico.org.uk/glo…
Telephone 0303 123 1113
Textphone 01625 545 860