Protecting member data

At giffgaff we believe it’s super important to look after our members’ personal data, and we work our socks off to protect it. It’s not just a legal requirement, it’s also what’s best for our members.

Although data protection laws may vary in different countries, as a Super Recruiter we ask that you make the effort to ensure members’ personal data is kept safe and protected.

Tips to protect member data

1. Stick to the basics
   When recruiting new members to giffgaff, only ask for the minimum data that you need. You won’t need their shoe size or their favourite colour  to order a SIM for them.
2. Be honest
   Tell new members why you need to collect their data and what you’ll do with it. And make sure new members are aware of our Privacy Policy and latest Terms and Conditions, prior to activation. Honesty really is the best policy.
3. Use data correctly
   Don't use member personal data for anything other than the original purpose of recruiting or supporting the member.
4. Keep data to yourself
   Don't disclose personal data to third parties.
5. Stay secure
   Take steps to keep all member personal data secure, private and confidential. If you keep data electronically, use strong passwords, encrypt it, keep operating systems and anti-virus protection up-to-date and keep your devices locked. If you have member data on paper, then keep it locked away somewhere secure and don't make excessive copies or leave them lying around. And in all cases limit who has access to the data.
6. Keep it fresh
   Make sure you keep personal data up-to-date and accurate at all times.
7. Clean up regularly
   Delete any personal data once it's no longer needed or becomes irrelevant. Electronically held data should be properly deleted from your devices (and any backups), so that they can no longer be retrieved. Shred any paper records no longer needed.
8. Check your local data laws
   In some countries, especially within the EU, there are fines for not handling personal data responsibly. Make sure you know what you need to do to avoid those fines.
9. If in doubt, refer them to us
   If a member has general concerns about data protection or their rights under regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), then send them our way. The giffgaff team has a team of data experts who can help answer their questions.

Find out more
If you want to find out more about GDPR and get more info to help you along the way, head over to the ICO website at ico.org.uk/for-organisations/business.