Guernsey’s Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) is reminding all Bailiwick organisations that handle personal data of their legal responsibility to register, or renew their existing registration, by the end of February.
All organisations, regardless of their size or industry sector, that are established in the Bailiwick, have a legal obligation to complete the simple 5-minute process by the deadline of 28th February 2022 under The Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017 and also to pay an appropriate fee.
This is the second year when registration is compulsory and the ODPA is keen to support all organisations. The online process is straightforward and has a three-tier payment structure: £2,000 per year for businesses with 50 or more FTE staff, £50 per year for all other organisations, with charities and not-not-profit organisations able to sign up at no charge. In addition, certain corporate service providers can register as a Levy Collection Agent to bulk register the businesses they administer.
The Bailiwick’s Data Protection Commissioner, Emma Martins (pictured), reaffirmed that organisations should engage with data protection as part of their normal ways of working alongside their responsibilities to register. “The simple act of registering does not make an entity compliant with the law as it is just the first step in the process of engagement and responsibility. How businesses treat people’s data is vitally important as it builds trust and confidence with their customers, staff and other people whose data they use. Data is and will continue to be the life blood of all sectors and activities.”
Since the ODPA registration window opened on 1st January, the following direct registrations have been received:
- 50 large businesses (50 or more staff),
- over 2,200 small businesses (<49 staff) and
- over 500 charities/not-for-profits.
In addition to these direct registrations, over 3,000 entities have registered via a Levy Collection Agent.
To register, visit the ODPA website by 28th February 2022. The ODPA run fortnightly drop-ins throughout the year for any organisations that need support, view the drop-in calendar.
Guidance on registration
There is a range of guidance and resources to support people who may be new to the ODPA registration process, these are available here.
A selection of the organisations that need to register with the ODPA:
- School PTAs
- Construction companies
- Landlords
- Residents’ Associations
- Political parties
- Elected representatives
- Beauty salons
- PR agencies
- Sports clubs
- Law firms
- Campsites
- Nursing homes
- Psychotherapists
- Financial services companies
- Gaming companies
- Government
- Insurance providers
- Cyber security companies
- Diving companies
- IT providers
- Charity shops
- Trade associations
- Garages
- Taxi operators
- Churches
- Restaurants
- After school clubs
- Architects
- Regulatory bodies
- Plumbers
- Accountants
- Any other legal entity established in the Bailiwick who works with information about people.
