How can businesses ensure GDPR compliance in 2026?

Last updated: 26 September 2026

UK GDPR compliance comes down to knowing what personal data you hold, having a lawful reason to use it, protecting it properly and being able to prove all of this. These practical steps apply to most small and medium businesses and charities in 2026.

Practical steps to UK GDPR compliance

1. Map your data: record what personal data you hold, where it is stored (including Microsoft 365, email and third-party systems), who can access it and how long you keep it.
2. Check your lawful basis: confirm why you process each type of data, such as contract, legal obligation, consent or legitimate interests.
3. Update your privacy notice: make sure it reflects what you actually do, in plain English.
4. Secure your systems: use multi-factor authentication, keep devices and software updated, encrypt laptops and phones, and control access. Cyber Essentials is a good baseline.
5. Review your suppliers: have data processing agreements in place with IT providers and other processors.
6. Train your staff: most breaches start with human error, such as a phishing email or a misaddressed message.
7. Plan for breaches: know how to spot, record and, where required, report a breach within 72 hours.
8. Handle requests and complaints: have a process for subject access requests and, since 19 June 2026, for data protection complaints.

What’s new in 2026?

The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 updated UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and PECR, with most changes in force from February 2026. The regulator becomes the Information Commission from 30 September 2026. Read more in Is UK GDPR still relevant in 2026?

How ABCOM can help

ABCOM helps organisations across Sussex put the technical measures in place, from Microsoft 365 security and device management to backups and Cyber Essentials. Talk to our team.

This article is general guidance, not legal advice.