Skills inventory de-identification is the removal of identifiers from a workforce skills database so no one is named. A standing database is a processing activity you must record under UK GDPR Article 30, hold to the minimum under Article 5(1)(c), and delete on time under Article 5(1)(e). anonym.plus marks each name on your device, so the skill coverage stays clear while staff stay private.
When this applies
A planner models capacity from a skills database that has quietly grown for six years. You strip the names first, so the model runs on coverage rather than on a live staff directory.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the database extract in anonym.plus on your device.
- Built-in OCR reads a scanned skills matrix.
- The app marks names and contact fields.
- Confirm the markings and keep the skill tags.
- Swap each name for a steady code.
- Save the cleaned extract locally.
What you need to provide
- The extract (CSV-as-TXT, XLSX-as-TXT, PDF).
- An operator (Replace keeps tags readable).
- Optional alias map, OFF for true anonymity.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | Hugo Bryant → EMP_22 |
| Contact | EMAIL_ADDRESS | h.bryant@example.co.uk → [EMAIL] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | +44 20 7946 0918 → [PHONE] |
| Org | ORGANIZATION | Cloud Guild → [TEAM] |
| Location | LOCATION | Birmingham hub → [SITE] |
| Demographic | NRP | contractor pool → [GROUP] |
Compliance achieved
- Holds a standing database to the minimum under UK GDPR Art. 5(1)(c) and to a retention limit under Art. 5(1)(e).
- Fits the processing activity you must log under UK GDPR Art. 30.
- Turns a named directory into a planning extract that targets the UK GDPR Recital 26 anonymity bar.
- Runs offline across 340+ PII types and 48 languages, so the database never leaves the device.
Anonymise skills inventories offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
A rare skill held by one person breaks anonymity. The unique tag points back to that staffer even with no name. Bucket or suppress one-of-a-kind skills before sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a unique skill tag identify a person?
Yes. If one staffer holds a rare skill, the tag traces to them, which Recital 26 treats as non-anonymous. Bucket rare tags.
How long can we keep a skills database?
Only as long as you need it for the stated purpose. Article 5(1)(e) is the storage limitation principle, and Article 30 expects you to have written down what the database is for in the first place.
Does it keep the skill tags?
Yes. Only names and contacts are coded, so the coverage data stays intact for planning.
Is the extract uploaded?
No. The app is fully offline, so it stays on your device.