APHC offers data protection advice
Heating engineers are being offered advice on how to deal with the incoming General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which come into force on 25 May 2018.
The GDPR has been described as the biggest change in data protection rules for 20 years, and impacts on every business that processes the data of UK and European citizens, from sole traders through to global companies.
The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) has launched a new service to help its members comply with GDPR.
GDPR governs the way a company holds, processes, stores and manages personal data. It relates to the data files, internal business processes and controls, and the way a business is run. It is wide ranging, legally binding and ignorance will not be considered a defence for non-compliance.
APHC’s new service is being delivered in partnership with RDS Global, who will offer APHC members a number of discounted services aimed at helping them comply and avoid fines.
The support on offer ranges from assistance and guidance delivered via email and telephone, through to an on site audit including a bespoke action plan. A document policy pack can also be purchased at a discounted price, which includes usable documents and contracts.
John Thompson, chief executive officer at APHC (pictured), said: “From 25 May, GDPR will apply to everybody with very few exceptions and will be policed by the Information Commissioners Office, who will have the power to issue fines for non-compliance and will aim to become funding neutral through these fines.
“Companies need to act now to establish what data they hold, where it is stored, who can access it and whether they have the correct permissions to hold and use the data, in accordance with GDPR.
“GDPR will have a major impact on all businesses, regardless of size or trading structure. This is why we worked hard to establish a preferential solution for APHC members.”
More information on GDPR can be sourced from the Information Commissioners Office’s website.
