What does the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) cover?

This guide provides an overview of the key sections of the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA), to support you in navigating and understanding the document.

1. Purpose and scope (Clause 3)

Sets out the purpose of the data sharing arrangement. It explains the two strands of the project (ECT development and research) and defines the permitted use of shared data.

2. Prohibited uses (Clause 3)

Specifies how data must not be used. This includes restrictions on use for: appraisal, performance management, disciplinary purposes and pupil behaviour monitoring.

3. Pupil opt-out mechanism (Clause 4)

Describes the class-level pupil opt-out mechanism. It sets out how opt-outs are received, recorded and communicated and how they affect use of data for research.

4. Roles and responsibilities (Clause 6)

Defines the roles and responsibilities of each organisation including controller roles and processor arrangements.

5. Single Point of Contact (SPoC) (Clause 6)

Explains that each organisation is required to appoint a Single Point of Contact (SPoC) and outlines their responsibilities.

6. Shared personal data (Clause 8 and Schedule 1)

Describe the categories of personal data covered by the agreement including lesson recordings, teacher identifiers and linkage to data in the Teacher Education Dataset.

7. Data subjects’ rights (Clause 9)

Sets out the rights of individuals under data protection law. It covers access requests, objections and coordination between parties when responding to requests.

8. Data retention and deletion (Clause 10)

Sets out retention periods and deletion requirements. It describes when data must be deleted, conditions for retention and processes relating to the data lifecycle.

9. Security and safeguarding (Clauses 12–13)

Describe the technical and organisational security measures in place. They set out how data is protected, staff training requirements and safeguarding arrangements where concerns arise.

Other sections in the agreement

The DSA also includes additional clauses covering legal and contractual matters, including liability, termination, dispute resolution and governing law. These form part of the overall agreement between organisations.

Need help?

You can download a copy of the Data Sharing Agreement in Step 4 of the permissions flow to review or share with your data protection or compliance colleague.

If you have any data protection questions, you can contact the National Institute of Teaching's DPO, Shaun Dillon, at shaun.dillon@niot.org.uk