Data protection and ICO registration requirements
03 September 2021
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK regulator for data protection and information rights. In September 2021, they will be writing to the care sector to remind companies that they may have a legal responsibility to register with the ICO and pay the data protection fee. For most companies this is £35 or £55 per year when they pay by direct debit.
If you receive a letter, you should check if you need to pay and, if you believe you are exempt, you should let the ICO know by 8 October 2021. If you are not exempt, you will need to register through their website and pay the fee. If you don’t receive a letter, you may still be legally required to register so you should take steps to check whether you need to pay the fee. A sample copy of the type of letter that will be sent out can be viewed below.
There is more information specifically for care organisations the ICO’s website: Paying a data protection fee – human health and social work sector
They also have a web hub designed for small and medium enterprises which has lots of tips and simple guides that you will find useful: SME web hub – advice for all small organisations | ICO
If you have any questions about the requirements, the ICO helpline can be reached on 0303 123 1113 ext. 1700
