The ICO exists to empower you through information.

24 April 2024

Overall rating

Your overall rating was green.

  • 6: Yes
  • 0: No
  • 3: In part

AMBER: partially in place

Do you have a way for people to exercise their rights regarding the personal data you hold about them?

 

Suggested actions:

You should:

  • ensure that all staff are aware of these rights
  • train your staff about what requests might come in from individuals and what to do if this happens, and
  • make sure you could act on the requests. For example, make sure your computer programs allow you to delete or amend information.

If you receive a request, you should respond within one month.

Further reading

If you would like more detailed information on this part of the Checklist, please visit the links below:

Your Data Matters

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to be informed

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right of access

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to rectification

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to erasure

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to restrict processing

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to data portability

Guide to the UK GDPR – The right to object

Guide to the UK GDPR – Rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling

Do you and your staff (if you have any) know your data protection responsibilities?

 

Suggested actions:

You should:

  • train all your staff handling personal data on their data protection responsibilities
  • use awareness to keep reminding your staff about keeping data safe and secure (ICO resources are available), and
  • make sure your staff know what to do if you have a breach or if something goes wrong.

Further reading

If you would like more detailed information on this part of the Checklist, please visit the links below:

Guide to the UK GDPR – Data protection officers

Guide to the UK GDPR – Accountability

Personal data breach guidance

Guide to the UK GDPR – Security

Do you know if you are obliged to pay a data protection fee?


Every business that processes personal information is required to pay a data protection fee to the ICO, unless they’re exempt. Not paying when you should may result in a fine of up to £4,000.

If you hold and process personal information (including names and addresses) on any electronic device, you may need to pay.

You can find out more here:

GREEN: in place

 

Do you have a record of what personal data you hold? Do you know what you use it for?

Do people know you have their personal data and understand how you use it?

Do you only collect the personal data you need?

Do you only keep personal data for as long as it is needed?

Do you keep personal data accurate and up to date?

Do you keep personal data secure?

 

Thank you for using the small business owners and sole traders checklist. Let us know what you think by completing our short survey.

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