If you are a UK based CCTV provider or security systems installer writing a tender response and you have hit the GDPR section and panicked, you are DEFINITELY not alone. This part of the bid can feel heavy. It’s legal, technical, and frankly a bit intimidating.
But the important thing to remember in these sections, is that they are not just a tick-box exercise. They are chances to demonstrate that you take UK surveillance obligations seriously and that you know what you are doing in regard to handling personal information.
This post will breakdown how to approach GDPR sections with confidence, credibility, and clarity.
Start with a Simple Statement
The people assessing your tender want assurance from the start that you are fully compliant with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and any other applicable legislation. Just be specific and say it clearly with confidence.
Something like this works well:
“We are fully compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our processes are regularly reviewed to ensure consistent alignment with the latest ICO guidance for CCTV operators.”
Discuss What You Do With the Data
CCTV and security footage is classed as personal data if you are able to identify an individual. This means that everything from where you point your cameras to who has access to the footage is important. Be specific about how you will collect, store, manage and eventually delete recordings.
You could talk about:
- Your lawful basis for recording (legitimate interests is the typical one).
- Clear signage on-site so people know they are being recorded.
- How you store footage, such as encrypted servers or secure cloud storage.
- Who has access and how that access is controlled.
For example:
“All recorded footage is stored on encrypted hard drives within secure facilities. Only DBS-checked staff with an operational need can access footage, and permissions are role-based to prevent unauthorised access.”
This kind of real-world detail builds trust.
Be Clear on Retention and Deletion
One of the biggest red flags for evaluators is a fuzzy retention policy. You need to show that you are not just keeping footage ‘just in case’, but instead that you have a proper system in place.
Try something like:
“Footage is automatically deleted after 30 days unless it is required for a live investigation. Retention settings are pre-programmed into the system to prevent over-retention and mitigate data risk.”
In the UK security sector, particularly in sectors like retail, education, and facilities management, buyers want to know that your systems are robust and consistent.
Mention who reviews the policy and how you ensure consistency across contracts if you want to earn bonus points.
Explain What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Let’s be honest, no system is perfect. So it is important to explain how you respond if a breach ever happens. Buyers want to know that you will act fast, follow the rules and notify the right people when necessary.
You might say:
“We have a breach protocol that includes immediate containment, investigation, and ICO notification within 72 hours if required. Every incident is logged, reviewed by senior management, and followed up with corrective action and updated controls.”
Not only does this clearly demonstrate and understanding and adherence to important rules, but it also shows company maturity and responsibility.
Handling Data Requests? Spell It Out
Under UK GDPR, people can ask to see their data. If someone spots a camera and asks for a copy of footage they appear in, what do you do?
Make your process clear and calm:
“We have a dedicated Subject Access Request process in place. All requests are acknowledged within 24 hours and completed within 30 days, subject to appropriate redaction if other individuals are visible.”
If you use redaction software or work with third-party data protection experts, mention it. Spell out your systems as clearly as possible, using all the evidence possible to illustrate the depth and clarity of your processes.
Reassure Them About Training and Staff Knowledge
CCTV and data protection are only as strong as the people behind the systems. Evaluators want to know your staff are trained, competent, and held to account.
You might say:
“Every staff member completes data protection training during induction, with annual refreshers and mandatory policy sign-off. We maintain a record of all training and hold regular toolbox talks covering GDPR, CCTV handling, and incident reporting.”
If you have a named Data Protection Officer or GDPR Lead, especially one with experience in the UK security industry, mention them (by name if possible) to add to the structure and credibility of your processes.
Show Off Your Credentials and Checks
This is a good place to show that your processes are not just internally claimed, they are externally validated. Whether that is Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, or NSI Gold, namedrop them clearly.
For example:
“We hold Cyber Essentials Plus certification and carry out quarterly audits of our data protection systems. Our CCTV services are NSI Gold accredited and delivered in line with BS EN 62676.”
This gives the buyer more confidence that you follow through with your GDPR commitments and can physically demonstrate a responsibility to protect data.
If you work within regulated UK sectors like healthcare, education, or critical infrastructure, referencing this really adds another layer of trust.
Tailor Your Answer to the Site or Sector
Are you bidding to deliver CCTV in a school? A residential housing estate? A public park? The way you approach surveillance and data handling should change depending on the environment.
This is key in any bid – ensure that you tailor your responses to the site, environment and contract specifications. However, this is particularly important in UK security tenders and GDPR sections. Information is sensitive and protecting it is of paramount importance, particularly if the data you’re collecting concerns children or sensitive environments.
For example, if you’re bidding on a school contract, you may say something like this:
“In educational settings, we limit CCTV coverage to communal areas and building exteriors only. All system designs are agreed with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure alignment with child protection guidance and all data is handled with the utmost care to ensure sensitivity is prioritised.
What might be deemed small contextual touches can go a long way in quality scorings.
Final Thoughts…
The GDPR and Data Security section is your opportunity to show the buyer that you are not just ‘compliant on paper’, but actively care about data protection. For CCTV providers, that matters more than most. Footage has the power to protect, but if mishandled, it can also put people at risk.
By showing that you know the law, follow best practice, train your team properly and adjust your approach based on the site, you are not just ticking boxes. You are making a case for trust – in the security sector, trust wins work.
Still Struggling with your Security Tender’s GDPR Section?
Bidding in the security sector can be longwinded and complex, but it can be made much easier with an organised, thorough approach.
While it can be done internally, professional bid writing companies (like us at Bid Writing Service) can significantly boost your chances of security tender success through expert bid writing and end-to-end guidance throughout the entire bidding process.
Have a security tender submission coming up? Why not utilise our expert security tender writers? Contact us at michael.baron@bidwritingservice.com or lauren.moorhouse@bidwritingservice.com to discuss your needs, or, fill out the form below!
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