I was recently asked by a client, which policies do I need to display on my website?
A couple immediately came to mind, but others depend on the size and nature of your organisation.
Here’s a brief overview of policies you should consider publishing on your website:
Privacy Policy
A privacy policy has long been required by any organisation who processes personal data, which is almost all of them.
However since the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and subsequent member state legislation, this has come into sharp focus.
There are also other national and state privacy legislation such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
The privacy policy on a website may differ from the one that covers customer and employee data. Often Privacy policies posted to a website cover only how the “website visitor” data is processed, for example their IP address and any tracking cookies.
However it is also a good idea to make your general privacy policy easily available to customers.
Contact us for help producing or reviewing your Privacy Statement.
Cookie Notice and Policy
Similarly, almost all websites use cookies, even if it is just for functionality.
A cookie notice and policy should be published to allow website users to choose which cookies are applied, and explain the purpose for each one.
Beware: some cookie plugins may display a notice but do not suppress cookies based on the user’s selection. Sometimes this is a premium add-on, so be sure to check with your web designer.
In the UK, cookie law is covered by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Contact us for help meeting Cookie Law requirements.
Modern Slavery Statement
(As at October 2023) If your organiation has an annual turnover of £36 million or more, and meets the other criteria below), you are required to produce a Modern Slavery Statement.
Many other organisations produce a statement voluntarily. This statement can commonly be found on an organisation’s website.
Modern Slavery Statement Criteria:
- are a body corporate or a partnership (described as an ‘organisation’ in this service), wherever incorporated
- carry on a business, or part of a business, in the UK
- supply goods or services
- have an annual turnover of £36 million or more
In the UK, the Modern Slavery Statement is covered by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Transparency in Supply Chains) Regulations 2015.
Contact us for help reviewing your supply chain and producing, or reviewing, a Modern Slavery Statement.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions are more relevant if your website is selling goods or services online. Easy access to the terms and conditions of sale is essential.
Ensure compliance with eCommerce Regulations 2002, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other legislation.
Contact us for support with Terms and Conditions of sale.
Affiliate Link Notice
If your website includes affiliate links where you receive a payment or other incentive for referring traffic, you should ensure the website visitor is aware of this and describe the relationship.
Accessibility Statement
Governed by The Equality Act 2010 (“EQA”) and supported by the World Wide Web Consortium (“W3C”) and their Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”), websites are required to be accessible to the differing needs of their users.
An accessibility statement describes the technical and organisational controls you have implemented on your website to remove barriers to service.
Sustainability / ESG Information
While not a legal requirement, yet, organisations can benefit from promoting their sustainability and ESG policies on their website.
This can take many forms. Contact us for information on environmental, sustainability and other schemes.
Other Business Information
It should be clear to the visitor who operates the website and this means including some key information about your organisation including:
- Registered Business name or Company Name.
- Company Registration number (If applicable).
- Place of company registration (e.g., England & Wales, Scotland) (if applicable).
- Registered office address (for companies and LLPs).
- Physical address or postal address,
- VAT number (if registered).
Get a Legal Compliance Audit
Contact us to discuss a Legal Compliance Evaluation Audit from our experience consultants that will cover the requirements for your website and wider organisational obligations.
Explore common UK Legal Requirements required for ISO standards with our free legal register templates and database. UK Legal Register Template – Resilify.io.
