GDPR…

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

You may well have been hearing a lot in the media around General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and more than likely you would have been receiving emails from various companies you may have signed up to once upon a time asking if they can still contact you in the future. This is all in readiness for the new GDPR, which comes into force on May 25^th 2018.

GDPR will replace the Data Protection Act of 1998 (DPA), which was a way to implement the EU Data Protection Directive of 1995.

As with the DPA, the GDPR aim to ensure that individual’s personal data is processed lawfully, fairly and with transparency.

So, what have we been doing at Apple House Ltd to prepare for this change? Well, we have been looking at our processes to ensure that we continue to be compliant. Many of the principles are the same as with the current DPA so our approach has been to look at the areas where we need to implement additional processes or information.

Our preparation has included;

Awareness – Raising awareness within our company and looking at training opportunities.

Information we hold – Carrying out an information audit.

Communicating privacy information – Revising our privacy statement.

Individual’s rights – Checking the systems in place reflect all the rights individuals have with regard to their data.

Subject access requests – Updating and renewing procedures.

Lawful basis for processing personal data – Identifying the lawful basis for all information which is processed.

Consent – Reviewing how we seek, record and manage consent.

Data breaches – Reviewing process in place.

Data protection impact assessments – When and how to implement.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) offers full information and guidance on GDPR. Apple House Ltd is registered with the ICO and is committed to providing the highest of standards.  

We are continually working to ensure that all new legislation, standards and best working practices are implemented in the most appropriate way. We always welcome the opportunity to share working knowledge and innovative practices.

Please contact us if you would like to share or even showcase your ideas. Cooperation and communication are celebrated here at Apple House Ltd.

— Romaine Lawson, Director of Operations.