Our support team is sometimes asked by clients why a privacy notice is required on a website. Clients sometimes question the need for a website privacy notice. It discloses how information is gathered and used, providing transparency and accountability. It also supports legal compliance, and reassures users about data handling.
Legal requirement for all businesses in the UK
Your business needs a privacy page if you hold personal data like names or email addresses. This applies to small businesses, charities and groups of any size. Providing privacy information is a key requirement of UK GDPR. This shows the ICO you take data protection seriously and helps build trust with clients.
The ICO states that getting this right can help you comply with other aspects of the GDPR and build trust with people. However, getting it wrong can leave you open to fines and lead to reputational damage.
Building trust with transparency
A privacy notice tells visitors what data you collect and how you use it. It shows people you care about their information and builds trust from the first click. People have a right to know how you use their information before they give it to you. The ICO explains that the right to be informed is about providing people with clear, concise information about how you use their personal information. Clear privacy information helps avoid confusion and sets expectations.
It’s important to explain what you’re doing with people’s data and make sure they know about it in advance because being clear helps build trust, avoids confusion, and lets everyone know what to expect.
ICO website
What to include in a privacy notice
Your privacy notice must explain why you process personal data, how long you keep it, and with whom you share it. The ICO provides a checklist of required information, including your organisation’s contact details, the purposes of processing, and the lawful basis for processing. It should also include retention periods and the rights available to individuals. Keep your language simple so everyone can understand how you use their data. You may also see it called fair processing information, privacy information or a privacy policy.
The ICO have a handy privacy notice generator so you can create your own privacy notice.
Make your privacy notice easy to find
You need a privacy notice on your website if that is how clients find you. So make it easy to find and freely available. According to the ICO, you must actively provide privacy information to individuals and make it easy for them to access it.
We recommend adding a link in your footer to the privacy notice page. You may also want to add a link on your contact page as well.
View our Indigo Tree Privacy Notice.
Privacy Notice FAQs
Why do I need a privacy notice on my website?
If you collect or hold personal data (e.g., names or email addresses), UK GDPR requires you to provide clear privacy information about how you use it.
Does the requirement apply to small businesses, charities, and community groups?
Yes. Any organisation that processes personal data must provide a privacy notice, regardless of size or type.
What should a privacy notice include?
It should explain why you process personal data, your lawful basis, and how long you keep it. It should also cover who you share it with, your contact details, and the rights individuals have.
How does a privacy notice help build trust?
It tells visitors what data you collect and how you use it. This meets their right to be informed and sets clear expectations from the start.
Where should I place the privacy notice link on my website?
Make it easy to find and freely available, by linking it in the website footer. Consider placing it on the contact page as well.