The Data Protection Act requires all organisations who are processing personal data to register with the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). One of the main functions of the Information Commissioner and his staff is to ensure that organisations that are processing data are doing so in line with the obligations that are placed upon them by the various pieces of legislation such as: the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, and the Privacy and electronic Communications Regulations.

Legally to process of handle data pertaining to other individuals or organisations, you need to be registered with the OIC. Your Legal or Marketing department should be able to confirm if you are currently registered or for more information click on the link below:

http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/