How will the GDRP affect us in care homes?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear L,

Thank you for your very important question.

This is a matter that has to be taken very seriously and it isn’t just a matter for care homes, it is a matter for every business in this country.

It is however particularly important for any care provider as you will hold a great deal of personal information about the people you care for and the staff who you employ and how you manage that information is going to become increasingly important.

You should begin by looking at the website of the Information Commissioner.

On 25 May 2018, most processing of personal data by organisations will have to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation.

There are two useful guides on the website which you can find here:

https://ico.org.uk/media/1624219/preparing-for-the-gdpr-12-steps.pdf

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/resources-and-support/data-protection-self-assessment/getting-ready-for-the-gdpr/

There are several blogs on the QCS website about GDPR and if you are a customer of QCS there are all the policies and procedures you would need to use to make sure that you are compliant.

If any further useful information emerges about GDPR in the next six weeks and beyond I will be sure to tell you about it through this column.

There is also information about GDPR on the Skills for Care website.

Please come back to me if I can be of more assistance.

Best wishes.

Sheila