Data protection online training

This page provides UCL staff and students with details on how to access Data Protection and Freedom of Information training

Before you begin: Please be aware that the training includes videos and you may wish to use headphones, however, closed captioning is included on all videos.

For all UCL staff

Data Protection and Freedom of Information is mandatory course for all UCL staff and contractors. Please click on the this link to the Mandatory Training page to access the training - UCL data protection and FOI training.

Online data protection training tailored for UCL students

Please see this link for UCL Data Protection for Undergraduate & Masters Level Students.

Data Protection and Freedom of Information online training - accessible versions

If you have accessibility issues with the UCL online training, please contact the Data Protection Team to discuss. Alternative options may include reviewing a readable PDF workbook and an audio version of the training.
1. You can review the readable PDF workbooks. is compatible with the native reader in Microsoft Edge, Adobe Reader, Apple OS Mojave native reader and JAWS. The workbook has been constructed in two parts
Part A: the training course, and
Part B: supporting appendices
The appendices are where the training in Part A refers to UCL guidance notes on our website. These are to provide supplemental information to the training course. We recommend that where possible these are read alongside the training course.
2. You can listen to the audio version by clicking on this link.
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the following privacy notice:

UCL Data Protection Online Training Privacy Notice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

I am unable to log in to UCL single sign-on (using my UCL username and password): Please ensure that you have read the instructions on the UCL single sign-on page. If you are still unable to log in you may need to reset your password.
I do not know my UCL user ID: If you do not know your UCL userID you need to contact your computer rep and discuss this with them. A list of computer reps by the department. (Your UCL user ID is also your UCL username and password)
I have forgotten my UCL password: You will need to reset your password.
I am unable to find the course: Please ensure that you have read the instructions. If you are still unable to access the training course please contact the Data Protection team.
I started the course, but want to continue on another device, can I do so?: Yes. If you leave the course part way through you can resume it on another device/platform. You will need to login the same way that you did the first time, and you will receive a notification asking if you would like to resume the course; select yes, and you will re-start where you left off.
I am having difficulty understanding the questions in the course: Please contact the Data Protection team to discuss further.
Can I partially complete and return to the course on another day?: Yes. You can leave the course part way and resume it at another time to suit you. You will need to login the same way that you did the first time, and you will receive a notification asking if you would like to resume the course; select yes, and you will start where you left off.
Will my completion of the course be recorded and reported?: Yes, please refer to the privacy notice at the top of this page for further details.
Why do we need to complete information compliance training?: UCL and its staff have an obligation to treat personal data with the care and respect that it deserves. This training has been developed to enable staff to meet the higher standards of compliance imposed by the new data protection legislation. In an age when the penalties for breaches of data protection legislation can run into millions of pounds and key business partners can refuse to work with us if we do not take information compliance seriously, this obligation has become increasingly important since General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect. So for both business and compliance reasons UCL needs to be able to demonstrate that all staff have been trained in data protection.
Is the training mandatory?: Yes. The Provost has confirmed this in his message to all staff in The Week@UCL on 22 August 2018.
Who should complete the training?: All part-time and full-time staff, as well as honorary staff and PhD students.
I have completed information compliance training at another organisation - do I still have to take the training?: Yes, the training is a mandatory requirement for staff and students that fall within scope.