Ensuring Compliance in Public Sector Digital Services

Michael Chen•6 min read min read•

12/4/2025

Ensuring Compliance in Public Sector Digital Services

Compliance is a critical consideration for any public sector digital transformation project. This article explores the key regulations and best practices for maintaining compliance.

Key Regulations

Public sector organisations must comply with:

Data Protection

• GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation
• Data Protection Act 2018: UK-specific data protection legislation
• Freedom of Information Act: Public access to information

Accessibility

• WCAG 2.1: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
• Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018: Legal requirements for public sector websites

Security

• Cyber Essentials: Government-backed security certification
• ISO 27001: Information security management

Best Practices for Compliance

1. Data Protection

• Implement robust data protection measures
• Ensure clear consent mechanisms
• Maintain comprehensive audit trails
• Regular data protection impact assessments

2. Accessibility

• Design with accessibility in mind from the start
• Test with assistive technologies
• Provide alternative formats
• Regular accessibility audits

3. Security

• Implement strong authentication
• Encrypt sensitive data
• Regular security assessments
• Incident response planning

Building Compliance into Your Platform

When choosing a digital platform, ensure it:

1. Provides built-in compliance features
2. Maintains comprehensive audit logs
3. Supports data protection requirements
4. Meets accessibility standards

Conclusion

Compliance should be built into your digital services from the ground up, not added as an afterthought. By choosing the right platform and following best practices, public sector organisations can deliver compliant digital services that serve residents effectively.