The scheme is aimed at training and qualification service providers and will enable their candidates to make informed choices when applying for training programmes, having confidence that their personal data will be processed in accordance with the UK GDPR.

The scheme follows three others that have been successfully approved and published on the ICO website: one offering the secure re-use and disposal of IT assets and the other two looking at age assurance and children’s online privacy.

Emily Keaney, Deputy Information Commissioner, said: “All four of these certification schemes are hugely positive developments for organisations to be a part of. Not only do they offer certainty to businesses to get things right, but they also provide a binding framework for organisations to sign up to, ensuring they raise the bar when it comes to data protection. In an era where trust and accountability are paramount, these schemes are a way of reassuring your customers, clients and suppliers that you hold additional expertise in a given area, are committed to building data privacy into your work and adhere to strong standards. …”.

Certification schemes were introduced under the UK GDPR to help organisations demonstrate compliance with data protection requirements and, in turn, inspire trust and confidence in the people who use their products, processes and services. To read the ICO’s press release in full, click here.