Data Protection Act 1998
“The Act is to protect the rights and privacy of individuals, and to ensure that data about them are not processed without their knowledge and are processed with their consent wherever possible. The Act covers personal data relating to living individuals, and defines a category of sensitive personal data which are subject to more stringent conditions on their processing than other personal data.”
In schools, information must be collected and used fairly, stored safely and not disclosed to any other person unlawfully. As a school employee, I am responsible for ensuring any personal data is kept securely and personal information is not disclosed either orally or in writing or accidentally or otherwise to any unauthorised third party. It is important for me to comply with data protection because it ensures that school staffs/students’ identity is not stolen, that one’s details are not used for criminal gains and that one’s details are not maliciously altered.
Health and Safety Act 1974
The Act protects not only all people at work – whether employers, employees, or self-employed – but also the health and safety of the general public who may be affected by work activities. As a music teacher, I have responsibilities and duties to be aware of potential risks in the classroom and school (e.g. the risks of using electric musical equipment, spilling drinks on electric gears, listening to music too loud with headphones). It is important for me to follow this act to prevent from incidents may cause and for everyone’s safety.
