The following should be followed to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998
Records must be used fairly & lawfully
All records must be held and maintained on the company “system”
Specifically, customer files and working files on XL spreadsheets
Hard copy letters in the appropriate client files
Hard copy files / correspondence containing private and individual’s details should only be destroyed using a regulated / accredited third party organisation or internal shredding.
No records are to be held in un-regulated areas and under no circumstances should they be taken out of the office and left at home or in cars. The only exception to this is when doorstep visits are arranged or when visiting clients to discuss individual files.
Personal details must not be passed to any third party without the debtors express permission (either in writing or verbally)
If a credit or debit card payment is taken over the phone, this must be entered onto the card payment form. Once the details have been processed by the client then the form must be shredded immediately.
Credit or debit card details will not be recorded on any other file or retained for future re-use.
When undertaking credit references on individuals, their permission must be gained prior to obtaining the report. They must be advised that we will undertake a credit report on them which will subsequently be recorded on their credit report.
No advice should be given to an individual who says that they have financial problems. They should be told that whilst we cannot give direct advice, they should contact either their local Citizens Advice Bureau or the National Debtline (0808 808 4000 – www.nationaldebtline.co.uk)
Under no circumstances must an individual’s details or circumstances be discussed with any person or organisation without their written permission. E.g. debt management companies acting on behalf of a debtor or a Citizens Advice Bureau
Complaints received regarding Data Protection will be dealt with under the company Complaint Handling Procedures
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