West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has statutory duties under Section 36 to 41 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to provide support for people vulnerable to being drawn into any form of terrorism.
Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
The programme uses a multi-agency approach to protect vulnerable people by:
- identifying individuals at risk
- assessing the nature and extent of that risk
- developing the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned.
WSCC, together with the Home Office, are responsible as ‘joint data controllers’ for that personal information for the purposes of those laws.
This privacy notice explains:
- how personal information is going to be used
- what it is used for
- who it might be shared with and why
- how long it is kept.
The information you provide helps us deliver our services effectively.
Personal and special category data
The categories of personal data we are processing are:
- name
- address
- date of birth
- contact details
- relevant family member and associate details
- gender
- first language
- relevant social care information.
We also collect the following special category personal data:
- ethnicity
- relevant medical information (if applicable)
- religious beliefs (if applicable).
We also collect criminal records and convictions data. We recognise that this type of data is very sensitive and can only be shared in narrow circumstances.
Data Controller
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) complies with the Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is registered as a ‘Data Controller’ with the Information Commissioner’s Office (Reg. No. Z6413427).
You can find details for the WSCC Data Protection Officer (DPO) on our Privacy Policy.
We ensure that your personal data is accurate, processed fairly and lawfully, kept secure and retained for no longer than is necessary.
The legal basis for processing personal data
Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
The legal basis for processing special category data
Processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest on the basis of law which is proportionate to the aim pursued and which contains appropriate safeguards.
If a child or other person is considered to be at risk of significant harm, people working with you will have a duty of care to share the information with the relevant services without consent.
How we use your personal information
Our Privacy Policy determines how we use personal data. We use it specifically to provide tailored support at an early stage to you, with the aim of preventing you from being drawn into terrorism.
Who we share your information with
As part of the Channel process, personal information is shared securely and only where strictly necessary.
Relevant information will be sought from other agencies as appropriate to inform our assessment. Where there is a need, this will be discussed at a multi-agency panel to consider whether intervention support should be offered.
The information will only be shared with relevant agencies. This may include:
- police
- health agencies
- Home Office
- immigration
- probation
- district local authorities
- school
- college
- other relevant agencies.
We will share personal information with law enforcement or other authorities if required to do so by applicable law.
See our Privacy Policy if you require more information about how we use this data.
How long we keep your personal data
Personal data will not be retained for longer than is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are collected.
The council is currently reviewing and updating its retention policies. See our records management page for published retention schedules.
Your rights
See our Privacy Policy for more information on your rights.
Complaints
See our Privacy Policy for information about making a complaint.