Data Protection
Why think about data protection?
If you’re a street coordinator, you’ll be collecting personal information such as telephone numbers, addresses’, full names for both our volunteers and vulnerable neighbours. Even with the best of intentions this creates a variety of risks.
In addition, there are legal requirements about protecting data, covered by GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
There is legal advice that says collecting data on a street level would be “domestic” - so not covered by the law in the same way as if we were companies. But, we still want to care for those around us by protecting their data and not accidentally putting them at risk.
Key Principles for data protection
Only collect, store and use the minimum amount of personal data you need for your purpose.
Personal data is information about a person which is identifiable as being about them. This includes names and addresses, and also more sensitive information such as ethnicity, criminal record, and health information.
Make sure people know what you're collecting and how it will be used. E.g. Ask them for their phone number so people in the street can stay in touch with them.
Make sure people know how to contact you if they want you to remove their data from your records - and remove it if they ask you to!
Store data securely: it should be password protected (e.g. a locked-down google doc, or a phone with a password)
Remember you have this data for a particular purpose. Don’t use it for anything else, or pass it on to other groups, however well-intentioned!
Additional information
This document is the script for some training on Data Protection provided for Mutual Aid groups by Pete from the National Food Service. It goes into a bit more detail and you might find it helpful
An update from the Information Commissioner on data and COVID-19