1. Data Controller and Data Protection Officer
FSWS is the data controller, meaning the entity that defines the purposes and means for collecting and processing Personal Data. FSWS forms part of the Public Sector of the Government of Malta and it is the public agency responsible to provide social welfare services in Malta. The FSWS Data Protection Officer (“DPO") is responsible to attend any query related to this Policy and in general to data protection at FSWS.
The Data Protection Officer may be contacted by email or by regular post using the details provided below:
Postal Address: Data Protection Officer
Foundation for Social Welfare Services
212, Cannon Road,
Sta. Venera, SVR9034, Malta.
E-mail: dataprotection.fsws@gov.mt
2. Purposes and legal basis
The purpose for processing Personal Data by FSWS is to receive, assess and process a request for assistance in matters related to social welfare. For FSWS, processing of Personal Data is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the exercise of providing such an assistance.
3. Recipients
Personal Data will be accessed by FSWS employees who are charged to offer the required assistance. In case the need may arise, Personal Data will be also accessed by those in charge of maintaining FSWS's information systems. There might be instances where Personal Data will also be shared with the Malta Police Force, other law enforcement agencies, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education, among others. This will be done in line with data protection and other relevant legislation, and arrangements are in place to guarantee the security and lawfulness of these transfers. If necessary and proportionate for lawful and specific purposes, FSWS may disclose Personal Data to other third parties. Personal Data will not be transferred to third countries or international organizations unless such a transfer is prescribed by law.
4. Storage period
The period for which Personal Data will be retained at FSWS varies according to the nature of the service why such data has been processed. These retention periods start counting from the moment that a case at a particular FSWS service is considered as closed. You can access the relevant retention period by visiting Appogg Retention Data Policy
5. Your rights
You can contact the DPO in order to exercise your right to access, rectify, restrict and, as the case may be, erase the Personal Data, in compliance with applicable laws. You also have the right to object to the processing of Personal Data at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation. If you feel that FSWS has infringed your data protection rights, you may submit a complaint to the supervisory authority of the Member State of your habitual residence or place of work, or, alternatively, to the supervisory authority of the Member State where the alleged infringement has taken place.
