The IST deals with personal and sensitive data over a range of issues and is committed to providing a confidential advice service to ensure the security of sensitive data and personal documentation collected, processed and stored in the everyday business of the Service.
Confidentiality is an important part of establishing a relationship of trust between you and your adviser and may be defined as ‘ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorised to have access.’
The IST comply with the OISC Code of Standards, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the University Data Protection by following strict procedures for the collection, processing, storage and destruction of sensitive data and keeping clear written records of all advice given and all work done on your behalf.
No information about you will be given directly or indirectly to any third party who is not a member of the IST team, without your consent to the disclosure of any information.
No information will be given to any external agency without your consent except when the provision of such information is:
(a) Where you have given your consent to disclose information or data;
(b) If you or others are in immediate physical danger; and
(c) If the provision of such information is required by law.
Case files may be made available for inspection by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, upon request, subject to Data Protection Regulations.
In order to maintain confidentiality we are only able to discuss immigration issues with you. We cannot, for example, discuss your situation with a parent, legal guardian or friend, unless you have given us your permission to do so in writing.
Written records of all visa advice provided by the IST, whether by email or following an appointment, will be retained.
If you attend an appointment, the advisor will write notes about your enquiry and the follow-up advice given to you. This information will be sent to you as a client care letter by email after your appointment. The IST will store the notes and letter electronically. When we have sent our letter, we will assume that you agree that the content is an accurate record of the appointment unless you contact the IST team within three working days of receipt to tell us otherwise.