1. Introduction

The CDT in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach at the University of Bath is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal data. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share personal information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Who We Are

We are the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach, based at the University of Bath. Our training programme spans multiple disciplines and aims to develop the next generation of researchers and innovators in sustainable technologies.

Our website address is: https://www.csct.ac.uk

3. What Personal Data We Collect

We collect and process the following categories of personal data:

  • Identity Data: Full name, title, student number (university ID)
  • Contact Data: University email address, Personal email address, LinkedIn profile (link)
  • Academic Data: PhD subject of study, full-/part-time status, supervisors, lead department
  • Funding Data: Funding provider
  • Career and Alumni Data: First job title and destination, country and category of employment, current job title and destination, current country and category

4. How We Collect Personal Data

We collect personal data through:

  • Application and enrolment forms submitted by students
  • Communication with students and alumni
  • Data shared from university systems and administrative records
  • Updates provided by individuals throughout and after their study

We use a secure Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to store and manage some of the personal data collected via our forms and communications. This allows us to:

  • Maintain accurate student records
  • Facilitate internal administration and communication
  • Support alumni engagement and reporting
  • Access to the CRM is restricted to authorised staff only, and all data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and University of Bath policies.

5. Purposes and Legal Bases for Processing

We process personal data for the following purposes:

  • Programme administration: Managing applications, enrolments, academic progression, supervision, and student records
  • Funding administration: Allocating and managing studentships, bursaries, and related records
  • Alumni tracking: Collecting employment outcomes and career progression data
  • Reporting and analytics: Meeting EPSRC and institutional reporting requirements
  • Communications: Keeping in touch with students and alumni about events, opportunities, and news

The legal bases we rely on include:

  • Consent – for optional data sharing or alumni updates
  • Contract – to manage studentships and academic delivery
  • Legal obligation – for compliance with higher education and funder requirements
  • Legitimate interests – for managing CDT operations and improving programme delivery

6. Who We Share Data With

We may share personal data with:

  • Internal University of Bath departments (e.g., Registry, Finance)
  • Legal or regulatory authorities when required

All third parties are contractually bound to handle data securely and in accordance with data protection laws.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, including to comply with legal and reporting obligations. For example, core student and funding records may be retained for up to 10 years post-graduation. Alumni employment outcomes are typically reviewed and anonymised after 5 years.

8. Your Data Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights in relation to your personal data, including:

  • Right to access your data
  • Right to request correction or deletion
  • Right to restrict or object to processing
  • Right to data portability (where applicable)
  • Right to withdraw consent (where applicable)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact: csct-admin@bath.ac.uk

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and help us understand how visitors use our site.

Cookies are small text files stored on your device. They help us:

  • Ensure the website works properly
  • Remember your preferences where applicable
  • Collect anonymous data to monitor website performance and usage

We do not use cookies to collect personal information or for advertising.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings at any time. Please note that disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the website function.

10. Updates to This Policy

We review and update this privacy policy periodically. Any significant changes will be communicated via our website or directly if applicable.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this policy or how we use your data, please contact:

CDT in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach
University of Bath
Claverton Down
Bath, BA2 7AY
Email: csct-admin@bath.ac.uk

12. University of Bath Privacy Notice

The CDT in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach is part of the University of Bath. In addition to this policy, we also adhere to the University’s broader privacy framework.

For further details on how personal data is handled across the University, please refer to the University of Bath Privacy Notice, available here:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/legal-information/university-of-bath-privacy-notice/

Last updated: 11.06.2025