Learner consent for Hwb Additional Services

Important notice

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on education in Wales and following the announcement by the Minister for Education that schools will close on 20 March 2020, the Welsh Government believes that it is in the public interest to ensure every learner in maintained schools in Wales has full access to Hwb.

Therefore, from Monday 23 March 2020, every learner in maintained schools in Wales will be able to access Hwb Additional Services. Schools will no longer rely on consent and instead will provide these additional services as part of their public task. Further information is available on the ICO website at https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/does-an-organisation-need-my-consent/

Parents, carers or learners who have serious data protection concerns have a right to object and should contact their school explaining why the provision of these Hwb services infringes on the learner’s rights and freedoms. The school will weigh up whether providing access to Hwb Additional Services is outweighed by the gravity of the objection. Further information is available on the ICO website at https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/the-right-to-object-to-the-use-of-your-data/

The Welsh Government has been considering making this change for some time, but has brought forward the decision due to the unprecedented closure of schools in Wales and the need to provide distance learning support to all learners. This decision has been reached following legal advice and the ICO’s office in Wales has been informed.

Please review our updated Privacy Notice.