Page 61 - DIFC EHB 1218 V.1

7.2 PRACTICAL STEPS TO PROTECT DATA AND PRIVACY

Data protection is everyone’s responsibility and listed below are some practical steps to
protect data and an individual’s right to privacy.

Practical steps for data protection;
• Personal information should not be deliberately or inadvertently viewed by uninvolved parties.
• Staff should operate a clear desk and counter policy at the end of each working day and when
away from the desk or the office for long periods
• Personal and sensitive records held on paper and/or on screens must be kept hidden from
customers and visitors to counters, offices and offices. Remember -
• Records (customer; client or employee files) containing personal information must never be left
unattended where they are visible or maybe accessed by unauthorised staff or members of the
public.
• If computers or VDU’s are left unattended, staff must ensure that no personal information may
be observed or accessed by unauthorised staff or members of the public.
• The use of secured screen savers is advised to reduce the chance of casual observation.
• Rooms, cabinets or drawers in which personal records are stored should be locked when
unattended. A record tracing system should be maintained of files removed and/or returned.
• It is important to ensure that service user and/or staff information is not discussed in
inappropriate areas where it is likely to be overheard including conversations and telephone calls.

Never leave information/data unattended in company vans or private cars

• Staff must not leave laptops/portable electronic devices and/or files containing personal
• information unattended in cars.
• All files and portable equipment must be stored securely. If files containing personal
information must be transported in a car, they should be locked securely in the boot for the
minimum period necessary.
7.2.1 How long does the Company keep personal information?
The time period for which we retain information varies according to the use of that information, in
some cases there are legal requirements to keep data for a minimum period. Unless specific legal
requirements dictate otherwise, the Company will retain information no longer than is necessary for
the purposes for which the data were collected or for which they are further processed.

The following is a guideline as to how long information of certain types is kept once you are no longer
an employee of the Company;

• Terms and Conditions of Employment - 3 years
• Data Protection - 1 year
• Equality- 6 years
• Health and Safety records, accident and incident reports - 10 years
• Leave of Absence - 8 years
• Termination of Employment - 3 years
• Transfer of Undertakings - 1 year

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