End of Brexit Transition Period: Keeping data safe

The government has confirmed that the transition period will end on 31 December 2020 and there will be no extension. On 1 January 2021, the UK will become a “third country” for data protection purposes unless an adequacy decision is reached with the EU.

Data adequacy is a status granted by the European Commission to countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who provide a level of personal data protection comparable to that provided in European law. When a country has been awarded the status, information can pass freely between it and the EEA without further safeguards being required.

If the European Commission grants an adequacy decision, then no action will need to be taken by social care providers. However, this briefing will help you with contingency planning and with what to do if an adequacy decision is not reached by 31 December 2020.

This joint briefing by Digital Social Care and the Care Provider Alliance is relevant to all adult social care providers in England.

You can also access guidance which sets out what organisations need to do now to prepare for any eventuality at the end of the transition period. 

Guidance for health and social care organisations: end of transition period data preparedness

Appendix – template supplier letter and standard contractual clauses addendum

This guidance sets out what organisations need to do now to prepare for any eventuality at the end of the transition period. 

If you have any questions or need support on the issue raised here, please contact [email protected]