Data Protection - Definitions

Data Subject
Any living individual about whom data is processed.

Personal Data
Personal data means data which relates to a living individual who can be identified from that data or from that data and other information which is in the possession of, or likely to come into the possession of The Council. For example data relating to employees, tenants, suppliers, debtors, creditors, customers, clients, business contacts, etc, these individuals (and partnerships) are referred to as 'data subjects'.

Sensitive Personal Data
Sensitive personal data is a new category for data introduced in the Data Protection Act 1998. It refers to information relating to the racial or ethnic origin of the data subject, his political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, sexual life, physical or mental health or condition, or criminal offences or record.

Processing
Processing in relation to data (or information) means virtually any use that can be made of the data, from collecting the data, using it, storing it, and destroying it. It is difficult to envisage any action involving data, which does not amount to processing within this definition.

Manual Data
Manual Data covered by the Data Protection Act 1998 is any non-automated information system (paper files, card index, Rolodex, non-automated microfiche) or 'relevant filing system' referring to data subjects. Filing systems are structured, either by reference or by criteria relating to individuals, in such a way that specific information relating to particular data subjects is readily accessible