This article relates to the issues that have been raised with the Data Protection Working Party (‘Working Party’) regarding the privacy notices for safeguarding roles across the Church (Safeguarding Privacy Notices). The Working Party has reviewed the Safeguarding Privacy Notices and concluded that legitimate interest can be relied upon when processing the personal data of DBS verifiers, members of monitoring and support groups and those attending safeguarding training. The Safeguarding Privacy Notices have been updated accordingly and will be available on the Methodist Church website by clicking here.
Managing Trustees should note that the amended Safeguarding Privacy Notices are now consistent with the Managing Trustees’ Privacy Notice on TMCP’s website.
There had been queries on what action is required where Safeguarding Privacy Notices seeking consent have been sent out already.
The Working Party recommends that those forms which have been completed and returned are destroyed and the amended Safeguarding Privacy Notices relying on legitimate interest are sent out with a note. It is now clear that there can be no option to withdraw consent whilst someone is willing to hold an office or role which is the key reason for needing to be able to rely on legitimate interest in respect of these roles.
Copies of the updated Safeguarding Privacy Notices have also been sent to District Chairs and District Safeguarding Officers.
If Managing Trustees have any queries then please contact the Conference Office for queries specifically relating to safeguarding or complaints and discipline matters (dataprotection@methodistchurch.org.uk) and TMCP (dataprotection@tmcp.org.uk) for further assistance regarding general data protection matters.