The Information Data Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest and promote openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.

Direction Forward is registered with the ICO as a Data Controller, and under the Data Protection Act it requires every data controller who is processing personal information to register with the ICO, unless they are exempt.

Registering with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is a relatively straightforward step and firms which have registered are added to the searchable register on the Information Commissioner’s website which contains the name and address of data controllers and a description of the kind of processing they do. This is a good thing and keeps organisations open and transparent, which equates to more consumer and user trust in regards to the handling and storage of their personal data.

We live in a data driven world and sharing data helps make life easier, more convenient and connected, so it is important to make sure your information is safe and secure and that the organisations you are sharing it with are being responsible.

Direction Forward’s registration number with the ICO is ZA422411 — if you would like to learn more about data security and hear about our hosting services, please be in touch with at, [email protected].