Student Awards Agency Scotland data processing queries: FOI release

Information requested

1. Does SAAS access birth certificate serial numbers via ScotlandsPeople or other channels?

2. Is this data used for identity verification, residency checks, or eligibility validation?

3. What is the lawful basis under UK GDPR for processing this data?

4. Are DPIAs or internal reviews available?

5. Is the data retained or linked to student records?

6. Is this access governed by a formal agreement with NRS or the Scottish Government?

Response

Does SAAS access birth certificate serial numbers via ScotlandsPeople or other channels?

SAAS does not access birth certificate serial numbers via ScotlandsPeople or other channels. Only our Counter Fraud team have access to ScotlandsPeople, and do not access birth certificate serial numbers via this.

Is this data used for identity verification, residency checks, or eligibility validation?

SAAS do not use this data for the above purposes

What is the lawful basis under UK GDPR for processing this data?

Birth certificate serial numbers are not processed.

Are DPIAs or internal reviews available?

There are no DPIAs or internal reviews relating to this

Is the data retained or linked to student records?

No – Birth certificate serial numbers are not searched, retained or linked.

Is this access governed by a formal agreement with NRS or the Scottish Government?

Yes

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.