The Information Commissioner’s Office has launched free online data protection training tailored to smaller property businesses.
Data Protection Essentials is aimed at estate and letting agents, surveyors, landlords, property managers, sole traders and their employees.
The self-paced programme provides practical guidance on handling personal information securely and meeting legal responsibilities during everyday property transactions.
Property-specific examples include managing tenant references and identification documents, sharing information between buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants, and reducing the risk of data breaches.
SUPPORT FOR SMALLER BUSINESSES
The ICO says its research found that many smaller organisations lack clarity about how data protection rules apply in practice and may not have access to dedicated compliance expertise.
Through the training, businesses can review how they collect, use, share and protect personal information while developing consistent knowledge across their teams.
Participants receive a digital certificate after completing the programme, which can be shared publicly.
Organisations can also undertake a short self-assessment and use accompanying resources to improve their practices. Those completing the process receive a certificate and can choose to appear on a public Data Protection Essentials register.
The programme is funded through the data protection fee paid by organisations but is also available free of charge to businesses exempt from paying it.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Faye Spencer, Head of Business Services at the Information Commissioner’s Office, says: “We’re always looking for ways to make data protection easier and more accessible for smaller organisations who often have limited time and resources.
“We know from speaking to property businesses that many would welcome more practical support to help them apply data protection in their day-to-day work.
“Balancing customer service, property transactions and regulatory responsibilities can make it difficult to find time to focus on data protection.
“Build trust with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.”
“That’s why we’ve designed Data Protection Essentials to be flexible, self-paced and easy to fit around busy working days.
“It breaks data protection into achievable steps that help build confidence over time.
“Our aim is to give property businesses the confidence to use personal information responsibly and effectively, helping them build trust with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants while supporting business success.”
Property businesses can register for Data Protection Essentials and get started HERE.
