Specific requirements in the Business and Administration skill area

This article describes specific requirements that may apply to industry placements in this skill area.

When you get to the detailed preparations for industry placements, you should consider which requirements apply to you, with the school, college or other type of provider you are working with. You should talk to them about any specific compliance obligations on your business.

Safeguarding

If students will be interacting with the public using live chat or social media, you must supervise them closely and make sure they are aware of any risks. You can find more information in the Safeguarding section of the legal compliance article.

Accessibility 

If you host a student with special educational needs or disabilities in a business or administration placement you may need to make reasonable adjustments to ensure your technology is useable by people with, for example, impaired vision, motor difficulties, cognitive impairments or learning disabilities, deafness or impaired hearing.

You should discuss and arrange reasonable adjustments with the school or college, and student before the industry placement commences.

Confidentiality and data protection

1. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
If you commonly use NDAs in your business, students may need special briefing to understand how NDAs work and their responsibilities. You may ask students to sign appropriate agreements.
While these are not legally binding, they could reassure you and affirm to the student how important non-disclosure is to your organisation.

2. Confidentiality
If your organisation handles confidential intellectual property, you may need to give students training and put in place appropriate controls. Alternatively, you may decide to find non-confidential tasks and projects for them.

3. Data security
If your business handles data, you will need to brief students to ensure that they understand the risks and implications of managing sensitive information, password security and access to facilities. They need to understand your data protection procedures as a result of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the consequences of any breach.

Consider whether your industry imposes regulatory requirements that a student would have to fulfil before commencing a placement. This could include mandatory training, verification and compliance testing may be needed. There may also be a requirement for vetting.

Organisation specific

You may need to deliver training to students so that they understand and comply with any industry specific requirements, for example training on money laundering in the finance sector or gift policies in the public sector etc.

The legal compliance article gives you more general information about your main responsibilities and provides links to detailed guidance and resources.

The content in this resource is for information only and does not constitute advice. Suggestions or considerations are offered for you to take into account. It’s your responsibility, supported by your school or college, to comply with any legal duties that you might have.