Data protection for freelancers

As a freelancer, you are usually a data processor for your clients' documents, and a data controller for your own business records.

What to do

Keep files on encrypted devices, use secure transfer methods, have a written retention policy and register with the ICO if required.

Most sole traders who process personal data need to pay the ICO data protection fee. Check the ICO's self-assessment tool.

Breaking the law in your professional work is also a breach of the code.
We publish anonymised summaries of complaint decisions twice a year to help members learn from them.
The code applies to everything you do as a translator or interpreter, including unpaid work.

Need help? Contact the professional standards team on standards@sfti.example or 0113 496 0142.

Page last reviewed 17 August 2026