If you apply to open an independent school in another European Economic Area (EU member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), there is a legal requirement for the Department to exchange your personal data – if it is requested by the relevant authority in that country – via the Internal Marketing Information System (IMI).
The IMI is a web-based portal developed by the European Commission. It enables messages and information to be exchanged between authorities in a secure environment and complies with data protection rules.
Authorities will use IMI to exchange information on service providers who are in scope of the European Services Directive on reducing barriers to trade. Independent schools are in scope of the directive.
- Authorities must have good reason to request information and provide justification when submitting a request.
- Only competent authorities involved in a request for information can see the personal details of a service provider.
- All personal data is automatically deleted from the system six months after the closure of a request.
- UK authorities are obliged to notify service providers if they supply other authorities with sensitive data about them, such as that relating to disciplinary action or criminal sanctions.
Access to and correction of personal information
We will take all reasonable steps to update or correct personal data submitted by you, that is in our possession. You have a right to ask to see details of any information that we hold about you.
