All 14 employees of Chestertons Gibraltar have passed the UK IT Governance staff awareness exam on the recently imposed General Data Protection Regulations. This interactive e-learning course introduces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the key compliance obligations for organisations. It provides a complete foundation on the principles, roles, responsibilities and processes under the Regulation. The course teaches individuals on a one to one basis with the use of case studies. The exam, with a pass mark of 75%, was tough but each staff member, whatever their role in the organisation, achieved a pass grade.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which introduces new privacy laws came into effect in May 2018.

“The impact on estate agencies has been significant”, says Lisa Kilkenny, Chestertons’ director of operations who managed the training and exam process for the staff. “We have had to undertake a cultural shift away from just sending information to anyone we think may be interested in a property. Now, we have clearly defined processes for recording opting in and the deletion of personal data no longer deemed relevant”.

There have already been occasions since 25th May where Chestertons has refused information release of personal data to third parties. “Our trained staff now think twice, three times even, before forwarding emails or personal data and our monthly staff meetings reinforce the strict GDPR requirements” stated Lisa.

This staff training achievement comes just six months after eight staff passed the Estate Agency Diploma (Level III) course. “As our industry becomes more professional due to client demand and regulatory requirements, it is of crucial importance that our staff are trained to give the highest levels of service possible in Gibraltar” said Mike Nicholls, managing director of Chestertons Gibraltar.

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