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Accessibility statement
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We want to keep you informed about all the exciting options you have to study at The Open University; from the courses and services we offer, to funding options, relevant deadlines and other related information. New data protection legislation means that we require your permission to send these communications. The following FAQs will hopefully reassure you that we protect your data and only use it to support you throughout your study journey with us.
A. From 25th May 2018 the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the Data Protection Act. This imposes new requirements on all organisations that process personal data. GDPR enables customers to have more information about, and control over, how their personal data will be used.
To comply with GDPR, the OU can only send “marketing” communications to you if you have actively given your permission. You may not have been asked whether you would like to receive them before and so we are now checking whether you are happy for us to send you this information. We believe this information will be useful to you, but also recognise that you may not wish to receive it. Information will include course details, future study opportunities featuring inspirational content, and information about the services we offer as well as funding options and deadlines.
Further information on GDPR can be obtained from the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.org.uk.
A. In this context, marketing communications refers to promoting study at the OU, the courses that we offer, choosing future courses, and providing information about supporting services offered to students. This only gives us permission to send communications about studying with the OU, and nothing else. Please note, we do not sell your information to other organisations.
A. We’ll be able to keep in touch with you and will send you relevant, timely messages related to study at the OU. We may contact you by email, phone, SMS, post and digital channels but you will be able to completely opt-out of receiving these communications, or change which channels are used, at any time.
A. If you do not click on the link to accept marketing communications we will send you a maximum of two reminders about this. If you do not respond to any of these emails we will assume that you no longer wish to receive marketing communications from the OU. No further action is required and you won’t receive any more marketing communications after 25th May 2018.
However, we may occasionally send you customer service messages. Service messages provide only factual information that you need, or would be at a disadvantage without (e.g. if you have started registering for a course we may send you a reminder to tell you when registration closes so that you don't miss out).
A. Once you have chosen whether or not to receive marketing communications, this will remain in place until you decide to change it. There is no expiry date on your choice, so you don’t need to update periodically.
A. No problem, you can change your mind at any time and easily update your preferences. This can be done through the OU website or by phoning our contact centre on 0300 303 5303. If you are based outside the UK contact us on +44 300 303 0266. There is no limit to the number of times you can change your preferences.
A. Deciding whether or not to accept marketing communications will have NO effect on your studies at the OU. It will only affect the types of communications we are able to send you.
A. We take handling your data very seriously and we store the information we hold safely and securely. We promise never to sell your data to anyone. After 25th May 2018 you will be able to review your communications preferences and make any amends via the OU website at any time.