Link needs to process supplier data to consider whether to enter into a contract with a supplier/s or following the placement of a contract with a supplier/s and to meet its obligations under this contract. For example, Link needs to process supplier data for banking purposes, and to contact suppliers about orders, deliveries, returns and/or give feedback.
In some cases, Link needs to process data to ensure that it is complying with its legal obligations. For example, to comply with health and safety laws such as cleaning service COSHH assessments. In other cases, Link has a legitimate interest in processing supplier data before, during and after the end of the contracting relationship.
Processing supplier data allows Link to:
- maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier records and contact details;
- pay suppliers in accordance with their payment terms;
- operate and keep a record of supplier spending to inform current and future budgets;
- ensure effective general business administration;
- ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation; and
- respond to and defend against legal claims.
Where the organisation relies on legitimate interests as a reason for processing data, it has considered whether or not those interests are overridden by the rights and freedoms of suppliers and has concluded that they are not.
Link does not collect or process special categories of personal data i.e. particularly sensitive information about its suppliers at any point, such as ethnic origin, sexual orientation or religious and/or political beliefs.