Navigating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can be daunting for startups and small businesses, especially as enforcement tightens across the UK and EU. Whether you’re handling client data, email addresses, or analytics you’re subject to data protection laws.

This updated 2025 GDPR checklist helps UK-based businesses understand and implement key compliance steps quickly and effectively.

GDPR Compliance Checklist for 2025

1. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or Privacy Lead

Even if not legally required, having someone responsible shows accountability, especially if you process sensitive or large volumes of personal data.

2. Audit the Personal Data You Collect

Document:

• Who you share it with
• What data you collect (e.g. names, emails, IPs)
• Why you collect it
• How it’s stored

If you would like us to send you a free spreadsheet you can use, email us at info@aureco-consulting.com

3. Review Consent Practices

Are users clearly opting in and not just being informed? Consent must be:

• Freely given
• Specific
• Informed
• Unambiguous

Double-check your signup forms, cookies, and tracking. We can scan your website for you. Contact us for a quote.

4. Update Your Privacy Policy

It should:

• Be written in plain English
• Explain what data you collect and why
• Outline how users can access or delete their data
• Include contact details for data queries

Access to our Free Policy Pack to get started

5. Implement Data Access & Deletion Tools

Users have the right to:

• Ask for deletion
• Know what you store about them
• Request a copy

Even a simple email-based request system shows effort toward compliance.

6. Encrypt and Secure Data

Use HTTPS, password hashing, and regular software updates.
Consider:

• Cloud providers with GDPR-compliance guarantees
• 2FA for admin logins
• Encrypted backups

7. Vendor & Third-Party Review

If you’re using tools like Mailchimp, Google Analytics, or CRMs:

• Ensure you have Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) in place
• Review their GDPR compliance

What Happens if You Don’t Comply?

Fines can reach £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover, whichever is higher. But reputational damage is often worse.

Need Help?

We help UK and EU businesses become privacy-compliant without the jargon.

Contact us for:

• Risk assessments
• Policy templates
• Affordable compliance packages
• Much more…

Useful Resource:

ICO – Information Commissioner’s Office
The ICO’s website provides detailed guidance on GDPR compliance and data protection laws for UK businesses.