Compliance – UK GDPR FAQs

As a VA you have the same accountability to the owners of any personal data you process and responsibilities for your business as your clients have for theirs. When you handle personal data as part of the services you provide for a client, you are processing in line with your client's instructions and are accountable to them when it comes to compliance.

These are essential for small businesses and some of the biggest risk areas too. In fact, about 90% of the penalties* imposed by the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) have been for breaking the rules that relate to electronic marketing activities - in a nutshell, poor marketing practices. WARNING: The negative effect on your brand and reputation is the worst penalty of all. *The latest proposed changes to penalties for these types of non-compliance involve a massive increase from a maximum of £500k to £1.7million!

You are accountable for the personal data your business processes and it's important to retain control over the what and how this is done. You can have systems in place to make it easy for a trusted VA to handle the day to day admin tasks so you can concentrate on the parts of your business that only you can handle. It comes down to practicalities, monitoring, and good communication.

There are a couple of easy (and free) ways to do either:

1. Join my Jargon-free and Shiny Facebook community group. Ask questions, share information about your business and offers.
2. Subscribe to my Small Business Update News & Tips. Designed to be short, sweet, and useful. Sent out every 2 weeks or, if something important happens. Save your time and stay current.

If you need specific help or guidance, take a look at my 1-2-1 services.