Information

The Data Protection Act 1998 replaced the previous 1984 Act and gives legal rights to individuals in respect of confidentiality of their personal data, including paper and computer records. It has long been understood that inadequate disposal of records can lead to problems. 

The Seventh Principle

Under the Seventh Principle of the Data Protection Act 1998 a business must take appropriate measures against accidental loss, destruction or damage to personal data and against unauthorised or unlawful processing of the data. There are unlimited fines for companies which fail to do so and repeated breaches can even result in imprisonment of company directors!

Protecting your Business

Away from your responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, it makes commercial sense to ensure that a wide range of data and materials are protected and disposed of carefully. Printed letterheads, discarded uniforms, ID cards can all be used to gain an advantage, or even to gain access to your premises. As well as the direct financial impact that a fraud may have on your business, there is also the indirect cost to the reputation of your business and the associated bad publicity.

How to Comply

To fully comply with the Data Protection Act, you must have a written contract with a company capable of handling your confidential waste, which can provide a guarantee that all aspects of collection and destruction are carried out in a secure and compliant manner. In practice this means that you should choose a supplier which complies with the new European Standard BS EN15713:2009 for security shredding and also the BS7858 standard for staff vetting.

ID Fraud

It is hardly surprising that ID fraud is one of the UK’s fastest growing crimes. By employing a professional approved contractor you can help to encourage a culture of care within your organisation with regards to how data, materials and equipment is disposed of. This will benefit both your company and your customers.

Shred4Security is fully compliant with all current legislation for confidential information shredding and can give your business peace of mind that your confidential information won't fall into the wrong hands.