Overview
A CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Policy is a document that outlines the use, management, and governance of CCTV systems within an organization
Full Details
CCTV Policies - Everything You Need To Know
Protect your business and people while complying with data protection law.
A CCTV Policy is a document that sets out how an organisation operates and manages its closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. It explains why cameras are used, how footage is handled, who can access it and how privacy laws are upheld.
This guide explains everything you need to know about CCTV Policies - including legal requirements under UK GDPR, how to create a compliant policy and what to include to ensure responsible use of surveillance in the workplace or public settings.
Contents
- What is a CCTV Policy?
- Who Needs a CCTV Policy?
- Benefits of a CCTV Policy
- When to Implement One
- What to Include
- Legal Requirements
- How to Create a CCTV Policy
- Cost of a CCTV Policy
- Template Example
- CCTV Policy FAQs
- Get Started with Robot Lawyer
What is a CCTV Policy?
A CCTV Policy is an internal and public-facing document that outlines how an organisation uses surveillance cameras to protect property, employees, visitors and assets.
It sets out:
- The purpose of using CCTV.
- How footage is recorded, stored, and accessed.
- Who is responsible for managing the system.
- How long recordings are retained.
- Compliance with UK data protection laws.
It demonstrates accountability and transparency - ensuring your use of CCTV is both lawful and proportionate.
Who Needs a CCTV Policy?
A CCTV Policy is required for:
- Businesses, offices, and retail premises with surveillance systems.
- Schools, care homes, and public authorities operating cameras on site.
- Landlords and property managers using CCTV in communal areas.
- Clubs, bars, gyms, and hospitality venues with customer monitoring.
- Any organisation recording individuals for security or safety purposes.
Even small businesses with one or two cameras should have a basic written policy to comply with data protection obligations.
Benefits and Purpose of a CCTV Policy
A clear policy doesn’t just protect your premises - it protects your organisation legally.
Key advantages include:
- Legal compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Transparency - shows staff, customers, and visitors how footage is handled.
- Reduced liability in case of complaints or data breaches.
- Consistency in CCTV management across all sites.
- Demonstrates accountability to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
When to Implement One
You should put a CCTV Policy in place:
- Before installing any new camera systems.
- When expanding or upgrading your existing surveillance coverage.
- If you capture public areas (e.g., car parks or entrances).
- When employees, visitors, or customers may appear in recordings.
- As part of your organisation’s data protection framework or privacy notices.
A written policy is also required if you register your CCTV use with the ICO as a data controller.
What to Include
A compliant CCTV Policy clearly explains how and why surveillance is used - without unnecessary complexity.
It should cover:
- Purpose and Scope
- Why CCTV is used (e.g. crime prevention, safety, property protection).
- Areas covered by cameras.
- Legal Basis
- Compliance with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Human Rights Act 1998.
- Responsibilities
- Who controls and manages the system (Data Controller, Facilities Manager, etc.).
- Operation and Access
- Who can access recordings and under what circumstances.
- Procedures for viewing or sharing footage (e.g. with police).
- Data Retention and Security
- How long footage is stored (e.g. 30 days).
- How recordings are secured and deleted.
- Subject Access Requests
- How individuals can request copies of footage under GDPR.
- Signage and Notification
- Requirements for visible CCTV notices in all monitored areas.
- Compliance and Review
- Regular review of system performance and policy updates.
Legal Requirements
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, anyone operating CCTV that records identifiable individuals must:
- Have a clear lawful purpose for processing the footage.
- Display prominent signs notifying people they are being recorded.
- Store footage securely and restrict access.
- Retain recordings only for as long as necessary (usually no more than 30 days).
- Respond to data access requests within one month.
- Register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if required.
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action or fines for data misuse.
How to Create a CCTV Policy
Writing a compliant policy is straightforward if you follow the right structure.
- Identify your lawful purpose for using CCTV.
- List all camera locations and coverage areas.
- Appoint a data controller or responsible officer.
- Describe how recordings are handled, stored, and deleted.
- Add signage and privacy information where cameras are used.
- Review and update annually or after major system changes.
Robot Lawyer’s guided template helps you build a fully compliant CCTV Policy with all required GDPR language and structure, ready to implement immediately.
Cost of a CCTV Policy
Solicitors or compliance consultants often charge £200–£500 to draft a bespoke CCTV Policy.
With Robot Lawyer, you can create a complete, legally compliant version instantly, including built-in references to the UK GDPR, retention and subject access procedures - at a fraction of the cost.
Template Example
CCTV Policy
The example below provides a simple overview of how this type of workplace policy is typically structured and the information it usually contains. Actual content may vary depending on your organisation and compliance requirements.
1. Purpose The purpose of this CCTV system is to help protect the safety of staff, visitors, and property by deterring and detecting crime.
2. Legal Basis The system is operated in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
3. Operation Cameras are located in [locations]. Recordings are stored securely for [number] days and are only accessible to authorised staff.
4. Subject Access Individuals may request access to footage by writing to [email address / Data Controller].
5. Review This policy is reviewed annually and updated as required.
Robot Lawyer provides a clear, solicitor-verified CCTV Policy template that helps your organisation explain how surveillance is used, managed, and stored in line with UK GDPR and data protection rules.
Create a compliant CCTV Policy — with Robot Lawyer
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CCTV Policy FAQs
Is a CCTV Policy a legal requirement?
Yes - if you record identifiable individuals, you must have a written policy explaining how footage is handled and why it’s collected.
How long can I keep CCTV footage?
Generally, no longer than 30 days unless required for an investigation or legal reason.
Do I need to tell people they’re being recorded?
Yes - you must display clear signage and contact details of the data controller.
Can employees request footage of themselves?
Yes - under GDPR, they have the right to request a copy if they appear in recordings.
Do home users need a policy?
No, domestic CCTV for private use (e.g. home security) is exempt from most GDPR requirements - unless cameras record beyond your property boundaries.
Get Started
Need a CCTV Policy? Robot Lawyer helps you create a clear, compliant workplace policy that meets UK data protection standards in minutes.
How it works:
1. Select Create Document → below to begin.
2. Answer a few questions about your organisation, CCTV use and data handling.
3. Receive a solicitor-verified CCTV Policy instantly.
4. Publish it internally and keep it accessible to staff and visitors.
Start the questionnaire to generate your document
✔ Fully compliant with UK GDPR and ICO guidance
✔ Covers purpose, access, retention, and signage
✔ Ready to download and implement instantly
Solution
CCTV Policy
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