General Data Protection Regulation
From 25 May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force. The aim is to bring data protection legislation into line with how personal data is used in today’s world, and will supersede the Data Protection Act 1998. The GDPR applies to ‘controllers’ and ‘processors’ of data. It will also:
- strengthen rules around personal data
- place a duty on organisations to be more accountable and transparent
- give individuals greater control over their personal data.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has now opened a dedicated helpline for small businesses and charities, to help prepare them for the new law.
You can read more about the helpline and other resources available on the ICO website. All charities should check the ICO website regularly for updates, and follow all guidance issued by the ICO about GDPR. The ICO have published a list of questions for small charities, signposting them to the ICO’s specialist helpline for small organisations and its self-assessment tool.
Guidance: goo.gl/hPVbev
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Guidance
Charitable companies in England and Wales can now convert to charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) following legislative changes in Parliament in November 2017.
The new legislation also means that all charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) will be listed on the Business names index, held by Companies House.
The phased implementation timetable is as follows:
| Date | Annual income |
| 01 January 2018 | Less than £12,500 |
| 01 March 2018 | Between £12,500 and £25,000 |
| 01 May 2018 | Between £25,000 and £100,000 |
| 01 June 2018 | Between £100,000 and £250,000 |
| 01 July 2018 | Between £250,000 and £500,000 |
| 01 August 2018 | Greater than £500,000 |
If you are considering converting to a CIO, please contact us for further information.
Guidance: goo.gl/H5AKiX
This publication has been prepared by Robinson Reed Layton LLP. It is to be treated as a general guide only and is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of the law or represent specific tax advice. No liability is accepted for the opinions it contains, or for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved.