Both companies and individuals are becoming increasingly concerned about the control, security (eg BS 7799) and information management in general – particularly that referring to individuals. The legislation, such as the Data Protection Act and the Database Act, is becoming more powerful and the penalties for companies failing to protect an individual’s private information effectively are more severe.

A British Standard (BS 7799) has recently been introduced to address this problem and this is one way in which companies can ensure they are controlling and maintaining all their information effectively. BS 7799 covers not only data stored electronically but also on paper and in the heads of the staff. Whatever and wherever the information is, it needs to be properly protected and managed.

Compliance with legislation covering information management is critical and non-compliance could become a source of severe embarrassment to an organisation. The revised Data Protection Act together with the Database Act and the other Acts of Parliament which have either been implemented recently or will be shortly, all make demands on the organisation holding and processing information; particularly personal information. In addition the loss of certain critical pieces of information – clients’ details, product information and other similar information – could jeopardise the viability of the company. Allowing a disgruntled employee to destroy or steal valuable commercial information could seriously disrupt business operations or, at the very least, embarrass the company.

To audit an organisation’s information management processes is a skilled and important job which should be undertaken by properly trained auditors who are familiar with the Data Protection Act, the Database Act and BS 7799. They will advise on areas of weakness and recommend ways of improving the situation. They can also advise on the necessary steps that must be taken in order to gain BS 7799 accreditation.

ValueAdding.com can provide a comprehensive information management service. We can supply fully qualified and very experienced auditors to assess your particular requirements either to satisfy the requirements of BS 7799 or just to make the company more secure. We will provide a report detailing any problem areas and areas where further work is required regarding the Data Protection Act, the Database Act and BS 7799. We can then help you to implement those recommendations whether they are IT related or just business issues. If you wish to obtain the accreditation that BS 7799 offers, we can help you to meet the documentation standards and undertake the process change which may be necessary. For major projects we can offer project management skills as well and training for staff in the new way of doing things when required.

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