Overview

The hospitality industry is among the most susceptible sectors when it comes to data breaches globally. Improper handling of personal data can result in hefty fines, eroded guest trust, and significant damage to a brand’s reputation - challenges that no business can afford to overlook. It’s essential to understand that data protection is not solely an IT concern; every Hospitality Manager plays a crucial role in this aspect. By setting a strong example in secure handling of both guest and employee information, they can greatly influence their teams and foster a culture of privacy and trust.

To effectively train your operational teams, use the module "Handling Personal Data for Hospitality Operational Teams". This resource will not only provide consistent training but will also set the benchmark at a high standard.

The module begins by contextualizing Data Protection legislation, including the newly introduced Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA). It outlines the associated penalties, defines data processing, and clarifies the data protection responsibilities within a business setting.

Types of personal data are defined including sensitive data and examines the proper handling of employee files, guest data and the secure use of CCTV. The key clarifications of the DUAA 2025 from a Managers viewpoint are explored.

At the core of Data Protection are seven essential principles, each explored in relation to the procedures that managers within a hospitality business should engage with. This includes familiarity with the company privacy policy to address inquiries, understanding the concept of active consent, knowing how to respond to a Subject Access Request (SAR) appropriately, and maintaining lawful reasons for data use and ensuring accuracy. The significance of deleting outdated information is emphasized, alongside practical strategies for securing daily data, such as utilising robust passwords and secure email practices.

The module also touches on PCI compliance when handling card payments, recognising its overlap with Data Protection standards. Additionally, a comprehensive module on Handling Customer Card Payments Securely is available, covering all aspects of PCI compliance in a practical context relevant to the hospitality industry.

Ways that Hospitality Managers may be accountable for Data Protection are explored and the importance of escalating issues to the company DPO explained.

Key benefits of this module:

• Understand how Hospitality Managers are responsible for Data Protection Be aware of legislation including DUAA 2025 update and the penalties
• Understand tasks that would be defined as data processing and how they may be processed
• Identify different types of personal and sensitive data for guests and employees
• Be aware to understand the company guest and employee privacy policies and their responsibility to explain it if asked
• Be able to apply the 7 principles to procedures in their workplace
• Identify ways to keep personal information secure in the workplace
• Manage the use of strong passwords in their department
• Be aware of PCI compliance standards with a view to learning more if needed
• Be aware of their responsibility to manage communications especially e mails
• Understand how they are accountable for data protection in the day to day operation
• Take action to check procedures and train their teams
• Know the importance of reporting potential data breach actions to the company DPO
• Know where to find further information

Format

The course is delivered fully online and is split into four highly interactive sections. Managers will engage with questions, case studies, and activities that use real hospitality situations and finish with a quiz to ensure points are remembered and understood. The module may be completed in short sections over a period of time or all at one go! In addition, there are links to websites and documents that can be used to research further learning.

Learning Objectives

By completing this training, Managers will be able to:

• Increase awareness of data protection legislation
• Identify different types of personal data and why it is important to keep them secure
• State the 7 key principes of data protection and how each is achieved
• Action ways to keep personal data at work secure
• Increase awareness of how data protection impacts the role of a hospitality manager

Accreditation

This module is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality with CPD points

Who Should Take This Course?

This module is designed for Hospitality Managers mainly in hotels but would also meet the needs of other types of hospitality companies.

To effectively train your operational teams, use the module "Handling Personal Data for Hospitality Operational Teams". This resource will not only provide consistent training but will also set the benchmark at a high standard.

A Hospitality Managers Guide to Data Protection may contribute to the off job training hours for Managers undertaking some Level 3/4 apprenticeship or other management qualifications.

Test

At the end of the course, Managers complete a 24 question quiz in the same style as the learning activities (drag-and-drop, single choice, multiple choice). The pass mark is 80%, with unlimited retakes available.

Post-Module Action Plan

Managers can download our unique action plan from within the module and complete. A series of questions asks Managers to apply the information in the module to their workplace to identify areas where they need to change their procedures, liaise with their DPO or train their teams.

In addition, there are links to websites and documents that can be used to research further learning.