AI tool summary for DPOs and governors
Handshake
Handshake · Facts last checked 2026-10-23 · Printed 23 October 2026
AI Prefect
Staff: Amber · Use with caution
- Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
- Doesn’t say where data is stored
- No school DPA found
Pupils: Amber · Use with caution
- Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
- Doesn’t say where data is stored
- No school DPA found
| Supplier | Handshake |
|---|---|
| Category | careers |
| Pupil-facing | yes - HE students |
| Processor or controller | not stated |
| Where data is stored | not stated |
| Trains AI models on inputs | no - third-party AI barred from training; data redacted |
| How long inputs are kept | not stated |
| Data processing agreement (DPA) | not stated |
| Signs individual DPAs with schools | not stated |
| UK GDPR representative / DPO | not stated |
| Minimum age | not stated |
| Key safety note | AI matching uses profiles; opt out by making profile private; US company |
| Main use | Careers |
Better-rated alternatives for the same use: Unifrog (Amber)
Before using it: check the minimum age fits your pupils, confirm a data processing agreement is in place, switch off AI training where possible, and record the decision in your DPIA.
Sources: https://support.joinhandshake.com/hc/en-us/articles/38856960612631-About-AI-powered-features-in-Handshake-for-students · https://joinhandshake.com/privacy-policy/
Full entry: aiprefect.co.uk/tools/handshake. Rating is a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. “Not stated” means we could not find it in their documents. This is not legal advice and does not replace your DPIA.