Here at LHP, we understand the importance of looking after your data, gathering the right data about you, and making sure it’s clear why we need the information we’re gathering. On this page, you can learn more about everything we do with your data.
Your Data – Your Rights
Looking after your personal data
You have a number of rights under law in regard to your personal data. These are:
1. The right to be informed
We have a duty to inform you how your data will be used and to ensure that it is clear and concise, and easily accessible.
2. The right of access
You have a right to understand what personal data is being processed and have access to this personal information. This is usually referred to as a Subject Access Request (SAR).
3. The right to rectification
You have a right to have your personal data corrected if you believe there are inaccuracies, or it is incomplete.
4. The right to erasure
You have a right to have your personal data erased, this is also known as the right to be forgotten. This broad principle gives you the right to have your personal data removed if there is no compelling justification or legislative / regulatory reason to either retain your personal data or continue processing.
5. The right to restrict processing
You have a right to block or suppress processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
6. The right to data portability
You have a right to data portability, which allows you (in certain circumstances) to have your personal data ported across to another environment/organisation, in a safe and secure way.
7. The right to object
You have a right to object to the processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
8. Rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling.
We do not use any automated decision making or profiling as part of our activities.
How to access the information we hold about you (known as a Subject Access Request)
In order to ask us about the information we hold, in order to exercise any of your Rights as listed above, you will need to make a Subject Access Request. You can do this by:
- Completing a Subject Access Request form available from our Customer Services at either our Chantry House or Westgate Park reception.
- Sending an email to dataprotection@lincolnshirehp.com
- Telephoning our Privacy Manager on 0345 604 1472
In all cases, we will need you to complete a Subject Access Request form so that we can verify your identity before we can progress your enquiry.
Responding to your Request
We will respond to your Request within 30 days. In the majority of instances, this will be with a full reply – however there may be occasions in which the type or depth of information you are requesting may take us longer to complete, or we may not be able to complete. In either of these cases we will still let you know within 30 days.
Escalation of queries
If you feel that we have not answered a data query satisfactorily, or we have neglected to look after your personal data as we should, or we have failed to comply with your rights, you can raise the matter (once you have let us know) with the data regulator:
The Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Helpline: 0303 123 1113
Website: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/
Gathering Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Data
In April 2024, the new Consumer Standards will launch, and a large part of these standards are driven by data, and a requirement for us to understand more about our customers.
About the data we gather
When a customer joins LHP, we gather a range of data (information) about you, the other people in your household, and your personal circumstances. Alongside the typical information we need to provide our services to you – like your name and contact information – we also are required to gather information about protected characteristics, like disability, caring responsibilities, sexuality, gender identity, marriage, and pregnancy.
What data do you gather?
Alongside the typical information we need to provide our services to you, like your name, contact information and financial information, we also gather information about protected characteristics, like disability, caring responsibilities, sexuality, gender identity, marriage and pregnancy.
The more we know and understand about our customers, the better we can tailor our services to their individual needs. This EDI data is key to helping us build a clearer picture of our customers and strive toward an equal playing field. It also helps us to identify any adjustments we can make to ensure customers are included when interacting with LHP, like:
- Things we need to be aware of when visiting them: like mobility issues, or access requirements such as ramps
- Any special requirements they might need on any letters or leaflets we send them: like alternative languages, braille, or colour blind friendly paper
- Adjustments we can make when calling them on the phone: like providing a translator
Why do we gather this data?
This information helps us to build a picture about the communities we work in and the support our customers might need. The more we know about our customers, the better we can tailor our services to you.
Having this insight allows us to better understand our customers and become even more inclusive employers by taking steps to embrace and celebrate diversity.
It also helps us to set ambitious targets, create targeted action plans, monitor our progress over time, and compare our progress against other similar housing associations.