Data Protection for Businesses

Many businesses, charities, not for profits and other organisations are affected by the current data protection laws but do not fully understand their obligations. Presently there are many obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998, The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The requirements are more onerous than many businesses realise. Even large and well - resourced organisations such as local councils and national charities have recently been fined by the Information Commissioners Office for breaching their data protection obligations.

The legal requirements for data protection will also become more wide reaching and onerous from May 2018 when the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect.

At SME we can assist and advise you in data protection matters such as:

Assisting in an audit of your use of data and how you need to comply with your legal requirements
Assisting you in drafting data protection policies and procedures for your business or organisation
Drafting privacy policies and notices
Dealing with the issue of obtaining consent for data processing
Advice on direct marketing
Advice on data transfers between organisations and jurisdictions
Advice on specific data protection or freedom of information queries
Ensuring you are protected within your terms of business and commercial contracts as far as possible
Advising potential claimants and respondents on breaches of data protection laws
Assisting employers in complying with their obligations
Advising on subject access requests and investigations by the ICO
Helping you prepare for the GDPR