Connect to Work Programme Evaluation: Privacy notice

In compliance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR), there are certain things that we need to let you know about how your information will be handled (Data protection: The UK's data protection legislation - GOV.UK).

In this privacy notice, we explain the legal reason for data processing, what personal data we will collect, who will have access to your personal data, how your data will be used, when it will be deleted, and who you can contact about a query and complaint.

The legal reason for handling data

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Frontier Economics, Sheffield Hallam University and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) are data processors for this project. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the data controller. As the data controller, the DWP are responsible for deciding the purpose and legal reason for handling data. This project is funded by the DWP and delivered by NatCen. The legal reason for processing the data is ‘public task’. This means DWP is required to carry out this research in order to perform its functions in the public interest (Personal information charter - Department for Work and Pensions - GOV.UK). All the information you provide will be held in strict confidence and held securely.

What personal data will be collected?

NatCen will have access to the contact details and Connect to Work programme data of those selected for any research activities (interviews, focus groups, workshops and surveys). Information collected in the interviews, focus groups, workshops and surveys may include your experiences and views on the Connect to Work programme and the role of wider factors in this including your personal circumstances or factors related to your role.

Who will be able to access my personal data?

Only the research teams at NatCen and Sheffield Hallam University will have access to your personal data. 

At no point will those at DWP or those managing your application or participation in the Connect to Work programme be able to identify you from your participation in the evaluation. Taking part in an interview or survey will not affect your participation in the programme now or in the future and will not impact any benefits you may be receiving.

How will my data be treated?

The data we collect will be used for research purposes only. All the information you provide will be held in strict confidence and held securely, so that only the research team will have access to your personal data. All personal information, and any other data held on the project, will be deleted as soon as possible after the project’s completion, due in 2031.

Will I have access to the data I provide in research activities?

You have the right:

• to ask us for access to information about you that we hold; and
• to have your personal data amended, if it is inaccurate or incomplete.

However, once the data has been analysed, made anonymous or the report has been published, we will not be able to change the findings by removing an individual’s information. Nonetheless, you may request that your personal data be deleted or updated. We will let you know whether this is possible.

Transfer to countries outside EEA or the UK

Your personal data may be held in a cloud-based software in the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA). Only the research team at NatCen will be able to access this data. Data protection and security processes will be adhered to at all times, assuring that your data is secure and protected.

Who can I contact with a query or complaint?

If you have any questions about how your data will be used, please contact NatCen’s Head of Data Protection at dpo@natcen.ac.uk or via post at:

Data Protection Officer
NatCen Social Research 
3rd Floor (Tiller)
250 City Road
London
EC1V 2AB

Data Protection Officers are responsible for upholding your rights and making sure we process your information correctly.

Where we are processing your personal data with your consent, you have the right to access a copy of your personal data, ask for your personal data to be corrected, or ask for your personal data to be deleted. If you would like to make any request related to your personal data or to withdraw your consent, please contact: connect-to-work-evaluation@natcen.ac.uk.

If you would like to contact DWP about this research, please email the Connect to Work evaluation team: ctw.evaluation@dwp.gov.uk.

Under UK-GDPR, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office if your query is not satisfactorily addressed by us.

Information Commissioner’s Office:
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
Or please go to www.ico.gov.uk for more information