Q: I’m a childminder, why do I have to notify?
The Data Protection Act requires all businesses to notify unless exempt. Notification is necessary if you are processing personal information electronically for the provision of childcare. This includes taking photographs of the children in your care using a digital camera.
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Q: How much does notification cost?
There is a two-tiered notification fee. The two-tiered structure is based on an organisation’s size and turnover. A data controller will need to assess which tier they fall in and hence the fee they are required to pay. The fee for tier 1 is £35 and the fee for tier 2 is £500. More information on tiered fees can be found in our guide ‘Notification fee changes – what you need to know'.
A number of private companies have been contacting businesses throughout the UK demanding fees in excess of £95 to register/notify your business under the Data Protection Act. Do not be misled by these 'agencies'. They have no official standing or powers under the Data Protection Act and there is no connection between them and the Information Commissioner's Office.
For more information, go to our Notification page.
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Q: We are a ‘not for profit’ organisation, are we required to notify?
The ‘not for profit’ exemption can only apply if an organisation is
- established as a not for profit organisation; and
- provides or administers activities for either the members or those who have regular contact with it.
However, the exemption does not apply if an organisation is trading or sharing personal data or operating a CCTV system for the purpose of crime prevention. The exemption is narrow and conditions do apply. View full details of the not for profit exemptions.
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Q: My registry entry has expired or is due to expire and I don’t have the paperwork. What do I need to do?
You do not need the renewal paperwork to renew a registration. You can
send a cheque for the correct tiered fee quoting your Z registration number and confirmation that you have assessed which level of fee you are required to pay. Once we have received the payment, this will be back dated to your original renewal date. If you do not renew your registration within a year of it expiring, you will have to submit a new registration form. Please note, if you are required to notify but fail to renew your registration on time, you are committing a criminal offence.
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Q: How do I find the online notification form?
View the online notification form.
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Q: Can I pay by credit or debit card?
No. We regret due to the constraints of our current system we do not accept card payments at this time.
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Q: I haven’t got a new certificate for this year?
We do not issue a certificate. However, we do send out a letter confirming your renewal and the new expiry date. If you require a print of the registry entry, you can print a copy from the
public register of data controllers.
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Q: I returned my application form or renewal paperwork together with the fee. How will I know if you have received it or if it has been processed?
We deal with all incoming post in order of receipt. We send out confirmations by post when we have processed the application or renewal. We aim to process new applications and renewals within five working days of receipt. You may wish to send your application form or renewal paperwork by recorded or special delivery.
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Q: We choose to pay our renewal or new application fee by BACS. Can we have your bank details?
Our bank account details to pay the notification fee is:
Bank Address:
Royal Bank of Scotland
27 Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AB
Branch Name:
Water Lane Wilmslow Branch
Sort Code:
16-34-24
Account No:
11663041
Account Name:
Registration Business Current Account
BIC (SWIFT)
RBOS GB 2L
IBAN
GB77 RBOS 1634 2411 6630 41
Please ensure that you quote your registration number as a reference, so that it will appear on our bank statement. Failure to do this will delay the processing of your payment.
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Q: Who do we make the cheque payable to?
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Information Commissioner’.
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Q: Can we have an invoice?
We do not produce an invoice but we can provide you with a receipt for the notification payment on request.
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Q: I need to make an amendment to my entry, can I tell you over the telephone? Is there a charge for this?
All amendments to registry entries have to be in writing, either by letter, fax or email quoting your registration number and security number. There is no charge to amend an entry unless it is a change of legal entity to the data controller. If this is the case, a new application must be completed.
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Q: Where can I find my security number?
Your security number can be found on your confirmation of entry in the register or on the confirmation of renewal.
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