UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Core data protection legislation that governs how personal data must be handled, processed, and protected. Essential for defining how confidential personal information should be managed.
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR): Regulations governing privacy and electronic communications, relevant for any confidential information shared electronically.
Common Law Contract Principles: Fundamental principles of contract formation including offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations.
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Legislation governing how third parties may be affected by or enforce terms of a contract, relevant if confidential information involves or affects third parties.
Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977: Legislation that prevents the enforcement of unreasonable terms in contracts, ensuring the confidentiality agreement is fair and reasonable.
Education Acts: Various Education Acts (1996, Higher Education and Research Act 2017, Education and Skills Act 2008) that provide the framework for educational institutions and student rights.
Intellectual Property Laws: Including Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Trade Marks Act 1994, and Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, protecting intellectual property and confidential information.
Human Rights Act 1998: Legislation protecting fundamental rights including freedom of expression, which must be balanced against confidentiality obligations.
Employment Rights Act 1996: Relevant if the student has dual status as an employee, governing employment relationships and related confidentiality obligations.
Equality Act 2010: Ensures the confidentiality agreement doesn't discriminate against protected characteristics and provides equal treatment.
