Running a business can feel daunting, with so many things to do, and sometimes not enough time to do them. But it’s important that you make time for data protection - ideally from the very beginning, but it’s never too late to start.
Any personal information your business holds, including names, addresses, email addresses or payment details, needs to be used fairly and securely in line with data protection law. Handling this information in the right way:
- protects your reputation
- prevents potential harm
- builds trust with customers
- supports you to promote and grow your business
How the ICO can help your business
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent regulator for data protection. We turn data protection laws into jargon free, practical resources that make it quicker and easier to put data protection into practice and responsibly unlock the value of the personal information you hold.
Our resources are funded by the data protection fee, which all businesses are required to pay by law, unless they’re exempt. You can check if you need to pay the fee or if you’re exempt, and your fee amount (typically £52 or £78 per year) by using the simple online fee checker tool on the ICO website.
To protect the personal information you hold, you need procedures in place for its whole lifecycle, from collection and processing to storage and deletion. This information could be about:
- your customers
- your suppliers
- your staff (if you have them)
- others you deal with
Our handy resources show you how to store, share and dispose of this information safely, whilst keeping your systems secure. They’ll also help you put the right measures in place to respond correctly when people ask you about the information you hold.
Small businesses can struggle to find time for data protection. That’s why our resources are bite-sized and designed specifically for people with limited knowledge of data protection. They include a mixture of advice, tips, tools and videos, that will help you to use people’s information confidently and lawfully as your business grows.
Getting started with data protection: a step-by-step guide is a good place to start, with 8 easy steps you can quickly put into practice. There’s also a checklist to help you see how well your business is doing, with practical actions to improve.
The ICO also offer a business advice helpline and live chat service to answer any questions, so whatever support you need, help is at hand.
1 comment
Comment by Darrienne Price posted on
Thank you , I have found your advice always easy to follow and recommend the businesses I support engage with the ICO as well as signposting the organisation on our company website useful links page