GDPR – RCVS information and Q&As

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), will be implemented in the UK on 25 May 2018 and will replace existing data protection legislation, the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA).

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The need for compliance

The GDPR is important because it increases the regulatory burden and obligations on organisations and strengthens the rights of individuals.

The potential fines for a data protection breach have also been increased substantially. Non-compliance with the GDPR could lead to sizeable financial penalties.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is not trying to put organisations out of business, but highlighting how important compliance with the GDPR is. The ICO will usually work with organisations to achieve compliance; it issues fines only in the most serious cases.

RCVS information

We have provided this information and Q&As for general information only. They are a brief summary of the law as we understand it at the date of publication. You should obtain legal advice or consult the ICO if you are uncertain about any aspect, or if you need more detail.

More guidance will be issued by the ICO in the coming months, and more legislation will be implemented, so you should check the ICO website for updates.

Download ‘GDPR - RCVS information and Q&As’

Amendments to RCVS supporting guidance

Following the Standards Committee’s consideration of the GDPR and its relation to the
supporting guidance to the Codes of Professional Conduct, we wish to publish
updated guidance, which will come into effect from 25 May 2018.

A summary of the guidance that will change is set out, along with a preview of the
updated guidance with tracked changes, in order that the profession can see the changes clearly and in advance of them coming into effect.

Download 'Amendments to Supporting Guidance'