Data Protection and Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
This policy covers PQL’s use of any personal information that we collect when you use pql.org.uk.
When you register on the PQL learning portal, you will be asked to submit personal information about yourself in order to receive or use services on our site. Such services include access to online learning resources, live chat, message forums, email communication services, assessment and assignment projects etc.
By entering your details in the fields requested, you enable PQL and its partners, including relevant colleges, corporate and employer training departments and Professional and Awarding Bodies to provide you with the services you require to study for your selected course, qualification or award. Whenever you provide such personal information, we will treat that information in accordance with this policy and within the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
2. Use and storage of your personal information
When you supply your personal information to PQL we have legal obligations towards you in the way we use this data. We must collect the information fairly, that is, we must explain how we will use it and let you know why we are requesting the information.
In general, any information you provide to PQL will be used internally by PQL only and, where required as part of your study towards a professional qualification, recognised course or award, by our professional body, college and awarding partners, agents and service providers. This may also include any college that you are registered with who use the PQL learning portal as a teaching resource and also your employer, provided they have sponsored your study or you are undertaking a work based training and learning program through the PQL learning portal. Your information will be disclosed only where we are obliged or permitted by law.
If you post or send offensive, inappropriate or objectionable content anywhere on or to pql.org.uk or otherwise engage in any disruptive behaviour on pql.org.uk, PQL can use whatever information that is available to us about you to stop such behaviour. This may involve informing relevant third parties such as your employer, school, college, professional body or e-mail/Internet provider and law enforcement agencies about the content and your behaviour.
We will hold your personal information on our systems for as long as your subscription to the PQL learning portal is current and remove it in the event that the purpose has been met or you no longer wish to continue your registration as a student. For safety reasons PQL may store messaging transcript data (including forum content, member names, times and dates) arising from the use of the PQL learning portal Community services for a period of six months. We will ensure that all personal information supplied is held securely, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Your information may be used, if permitted by you, to allow PQL to contact you for administration purposes. For example, we may wish to provide you with exam or assessment reminders by email or sms text message. We will not provide your personal information to any third-party organisation for any purpose whatsoever other than relevant partner organisations as outlined in Section 2, paragraph 2.
3. Access to your personal information
You have the right to request a copy of the personal information PQL holds about you and to have any inaccuracies corrected.
4. Users 16 and under
If you are aged 16 or under, please get your parent/guardian's permission to register for any course or qualification that is delivered through the PQL learning portal before you provide personal information to any of our websites.
5. Data Protection Act
For more information on the Data Protection Act, click on the following link:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980029.htm