UK GDPR - Data Retention Policy With Schedule

This is the Data Retention Policy of CFS Redundancy Payments Ltd trading as AuntMeg.com

Introduction

We recognise that in the running of our business, we collect and process personal data from a variety of sources. This personal information is collated in several different formats including letters, emails, legal documents, employment records, operations records, images and statements. The personal data is held in both hard copy and electronic form. This policy covers all the personal data that we hold or have control over.  It also covers data that is held by third parties on our behalf, for example cloud storage providers or offsite records storage.

Aims of the policy

Our business will ensure that personal data that we hold is kept secure and that it is held for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it is being processed. In addition, we will retain the minimum amount of information to fulfill our statutory obligations and the provision of goods or/and services – as required by the data protection legislation, including the Data Protection Act 2018 also known as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

Retention

This retention policy (with its schedule), is a tool used to assist us in making decisions on whether a particular document should be retained or disposed of. In addition, it takes account of the context within which the personal data is being processed and our business practices. 

We will regularly monitor and audit compliance with this policy and update it when required.

Disposal

We will ensure that personal data is securely disposed of when it is no longer needed. 

The method of disposal should be appropriate to the nature and sensitivity of the documents concerned and includes: 

  • Non-Confidential records: deleted from local systems & servers and/or disposed of in waste paper
  • Confidential records: deleted from local systems & servers and/or shredded
  • Deletion of Computer Records: deleted from local systems & servers
  • Transmission of records to an external body: Requested to be deleted but onward responsibility is with the third party
  • Cloud storage: Deleted and purged

The table below contains the retention period that we have assigned to each type of record. This will be adhered to wherever possible, although it is recognised that there may be exceptional circumstances which require documents to be kept for either shorter or longer periods. 

Appendix 1: Document retention schedule

Type of record Retention period  Where is it stored? Reason Method of deletion
Employment records:
PAYE records 6 years from end of fiscal year HR and Accounting System Legal Automatic
Maternity and paternity pay records 6 years from end of fiscal year HR and Accounting System Legal Automatic
Medical and health records 10 years after employment ceases HR System Legal Automatic
Unsuccessful candidates 6 months after last action Email and Cloud Storage [Legal] Manual
Accident report forms 6 years after last action HR System Legal Automatic
Parental leave records 5 years from birth of child HR System Legal Automatic
Employment records: redundancy, equal opportunities; health & welfare records 10 years after last action HR System Legal Automatic
Employees that left the business: emergency contacts and bank account details 60 days after final pay date HR and Accounting System Legal Manual
Pay & tax: pay deductions, tax forms, payroll, loans [6] years after last action HR and Accounting System Legal Automatic
Records of formal disciplinary actions in employee file [6] years after last action HR System Legal Automatic
Records of formal grievances in employee file [6] years after last action HR System Legal Automatic
Commercial contracts:
Contracts with suppliers 6 years after last action Cloud Storage Contract Manual
Contracts signed as a deed 12 years after last action Cloud Storage Legal Manual
Guarantees and indemnities Term plus 6 years Cloud Storage Contract Manual
Purchase orders and invoices 6 years after last action Accounting System Legal Automatic 
Tax and Accounting Records:
Tax returns 10 years from end of fiscal year Accounting System & HMRC Account Legal Automatic
Accounting & financial management information 10 years from end of fiscal year Accounting System Legal Automatic
Stock transfer forms and share certificates 12 years from purchase Cloud Storage Legal Manual
Marketing records:
Mailing lists 1 year after last action Cloud Storage, Marketing System, Email Server Consent Manual
Operational records:
Vehicles 6 years from last requirement of information for operational purposes Cloud Storage, Filing Cabinet, Accounting System Audit Manual
Fire Risk Assessments Retain until superseded Cloud Storage Legal Manual
Policies/Procedures Retain until superseded HR System Legal Manual
Complaints 6 years from end of relationship Cloud Storage Legal Manual
Building (i.e. lease/deeds) 6 years after end of occupation Cloud Storage Audit Manual
Insurance schedules 10 years after last action Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Pat tests, fire hazard tests 6 years from last action Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Memorandum of association Life of company Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Register of directors and secretaries Life of company Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Employer’s liability insurance certificates Life of company Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Intellectual property records:
Copyright material 50 years from expiry Cloud Storage Legal/Audit Manual
Customer records:
Email correspondence Archive after 6 months Email Server Legal/Audit/Service Provision Automatic
Images and video As soon as claim is completed Email Server/Cloud Storage Service Provision Manual
Whatsapp messages 6 years from completion of claim Whatsapp Business Service Provision/Audit/Legal Automatic
Paper claim forms 6 years from completion of claim Filing Cabinet Service Provision/Audit/Legal Manual
Call recordings 6 years from completion of claim Cloud Server Audit/Legal Automatic