Data Processing Agreements: what they are and when you need one

If a service processes personal data on your behalf, UK GDPR requires a written contract — a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) — between you (the controller) and them (the processor). Using Agentric means personal data flows through us, so we provide one as standard.

What a DPA actually does

A DPA is the processor's contract with the controller, covering:

• Subject matter and duration — what's being processed (calls, chats, contacts, recordings) and for how long.
• Obligations of the processor — process only on your instructions, keep it confidential, secure it, help you with data subject rights.
• Sub-processors — who else touches the data (our list is public).
• Deletion on exit — what happens to your data if you leave.
• Security measures — the technical/organisational protections applied.
• Audit/assurance rights — your ability to verify compliance.

Where Agentric's DPA lives

It's on the site at /dpa — readable, printable, signable on request for customers who need an executed copy. It's built on the standard UK GDPR processor clauses, adapted to what the service actually does.

Why it protects you

The DPA is your compliance paper trail: it proves you've done due diligence on who handles your customers' data. If the ICO ever asks "who processes your customer data?", the answer is "Sequel AI Ltd, under this agreement" — and the agreement obligates us to handle it lawfully.

What to do with it

1. Read it (it's written to be readable).
2. If your compliance process requires a signed copy, request one — details on the DPA page.
3. Keep it with your records — alongside your own privacy notice and LIA.
4. Review annually — when we add sub-processors, we announce changes; the agreement gives you objection rights.

The other direction

When you process callers' data — notes from calls, contact records — you're the controller with your own obligations: a privacy notice, a retention policy, DSAR handling. Our tooling does the mechanics; the policy choices are yours — and our templates help you make them.