DATA PROTECTION POLICY STATEMENT
The Data Protection Act 1998 establishes rights for individuals in relation to what information is held about them and how it may be used. Victim Support Scotland is a national voluntary organisation which provides practical help and emotional support to people affected by crime. This help is provided via staff and volunteers based in affiliated local victim support services throughout Scotland and in witness service offices based at all Sheriff Courts.VSS is committed to providing the best possible service to those affected by crime. This includes a commitment to ensure that all personal information is handled fairly and lawfully with due regard to confidentiality and in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.VSS and its affiliated victim support services hold information on:
- Those who contact our service for support and assistance
- The type of support provided
- Statistical information on victims and witnesses
- The statistical information is held to assist us:
- To monitor, evaluate and provide the best possible service to those affected by crime
- In our work campaigning for improved rights and services for those affected by crime
VSS also holds personal information about other individuals, for example staff,volunteers, supporters and business contacts. VSS is committed to ensure that all personal information held on these individuals is relevant, up-to-date and accurate. All personal information is treated with due regard to confidentiality and in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. Information we have on individuals will not be passed on to any other agencies without their consent.
The Data Protection Act 1998 also gives individuals rights to access information held about them, upon payment of an appropriate fee.
If you would like to know more, contact the Data Protection Officer
at our National Office in Edinburgh
