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What is the Data Protection Act?
The Data Protection Act 1998 is designed to protect personal information about living individuals. It sets the rules for how we handle your information. If the rules are not followed we risk breaking the law.
What is Personal Information?
Personal information is any information, which can be used to identify you. This includes all the obvious details we might hold about you such as your name and address.
Some types of personal information are classified as sensitive by the Act and require more careful handling. This includes information about ethnic or racial origin, political opinions, and religious beliefs.
When we ask you for personal information, we promise:
- To make sure you know why we need it
- To only ask for what we need, and not to collect too much or irrelevant information
- To protect it and make sure nobody has access to it who shouldn't
- To only share it with other organisations when the law allows
- To make sure we don't keep it longer than necessary
- Not to make your personal information available for commercial use without your permission
In return, we ask you to:
- Give us accurate information
- Tell us as soon as possible if there are any changes, such as a new address
Can I See My Personal Information?
Generally yes. You have a right of access to your personal information. This is usually referred to as 'subject access rights'.
Current legislation allows us to charge a maximum fee of £10 for Subject Access.
We will endeavour to provide you with the requested information as soon as possible and no later than 40 calendar days from receipt of a valid request.
For more information about this please follow the link to the following page: Subject Access Requests.
The following leaflet has been produced by the Dorset Data Protection Working Group which comprises all local authorities across Dorset. The leaflet is designed to assist you further with Data Protection and how we handle your information:
Our Commitment to you and your rights
How Do I Appeal Or Make A Complaint?
We hope we can resolve most issues with you, but if you wish to make a formal complaint about the way we have dealt with your request you should do this in writing. Your complaint will be dealt with under our 'Complaints Procedure'. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your complaint you can appeal to the Information Commissioner at the address below.
How Can I Find Out More?
You can contact the Corporate Information Manager at the following address:
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
Service Headquarters
Peverell Avenue West
Poundbury
Dorset
DT1 3SU
Email the Information Management Team
or you can write to:
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF