Essex.gov.uk
Covid-19 and our use of data during the pandemic
What personal information do we hold?
We will receive personal information from a number of sources identifying vulnerable people in the community.
We’ll gain information about those that do not meet our normal criteria for support, but who have become vulnerable because their normal support from friends and family may be interrupted or reduced.
We will receive personal information about personal assistants (either employed or self-employed) who provide care and support to vulnerable people in the community in order that they can be offered a Covid-19 vaccination.
This will be identifiable data so that we know who to offer a service to, and how to get the service to them.
Where will we get this information from?
We will receive information primarily from the Government Data Service; this may include data from both the NHS and other departments.
We will receive information from providers of care homes, nursing homes and domiciliary care services.
We will also receive personal information from vulnerable people receiving Direct Payments about their personal assistants. This will be limited to their name, contact details and district.
Who will we share this information with?
We will share information back to providers and, where necessary, the NHS where we feel they can help us meet your service needs.
How long will we keep this information for?
This is a temporary arrangement and at the end of the pandemic we will securely dispose of any data held about people who do not need our services.
What is the legal basis for this?
Our lawful basis for processing the data is that it is part of our public task and official authority, under the Care Act 2014, Childrens Act 1989, and Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Additionally, for the duration of the pandemic it is a task in the substantial public interest in the area of public health and in line with government requirements.
Changes to our services
All council departments are attempting to identify ways to replace services which have been temporarily removed. We will be replacing many face-to-face visits or activities with telephone or video conferencing.
We are trying to find the most secure methods of delivering these services, and, again, only intend to use them for the duration of the pandemic.
These services are being provided under the same lawful basis as the original face-to-face service.
New services currently include:
How to contact us
If you have any concerns about the use of your data, please see each of the services own individual privacy notice or contact us using the details below:
Email: DPO@essex.gov.uk
Telephone: 0345 743 0430 (ask to speak to the Information Governance Team)