Having completed a pilot programme with up to 60 SMEs from across the UK in which the SMEs trialled an e-learning and self-assessment programme to ensure good data practices, the ICO has now published its evaluation report.

The pilot, named SME Data Essentials, was aimed at empowering organisations to become better equipped to manage their own data compliance and engage in good data practices from the start. According to the ICO’s evaluation report, the pilot has achieved much success in terms of impact and revealed a range of learnings around design and implementation that will prove valuable for considerations around future phases of the project.

The pilot formed part of ICO25, the ICO’s new three-year strategic plan which details how the ICO will bring down the cost of compliance whilst enabling and supporting SMEs to invest, innovate and grow. To access the evaluation report, click here.