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Departmental Data Protection

Volume 473: debated on Wednesday 12 March 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what requirements his Department places on contractors in relation to audit of personal data and IT equipment. (176629)

The Department's contract templates include clauses for use where a contractor is required to process information on individuals in any way, either electronically or on paper, that ensures data protection, confidentiality and prevent the loss of data.

Where a contractor's employees are required to have access to, or knowledge or custody of, Government assets such as documents, IT equipment and the Department's premises, the contractor must meet the Government-wide personnel security standard, which requires employee checks on identity, employment history, nationality and immigration status and the declaration of unspent criminal records.

Contractors are also bound by the requirements of the Data Protection Act and will operate in accordance with their corporate governance, security and audit arrangements.