8th April 2019

The Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) is running a month-long public and industry consultation to seek feedback on the scope and format of its future events programme.

The start of the consultation will be marked by a sold-out event on Wednesday 10 April at which the ODPA will outline the proposed programme, present the aims and seek feedback from attendees.

The ODPA intends to use its programme to initiate positive cultural change through being accessible to local organisations and citizens of all ages, improving compliance by building awareness of topical issues in data protection, encouraging innovation and excellence in data protection practices, exploring official guidance with the regulated community and gathering feedback from local industry and individuals.

Emma Martins, Guernsey’s Data Protection Commissioner, confirmed the importance of the ODPA’s events programme.

‘This is a key aspect of our statutory obligation under section 61 of the Law to raise public awareness of citizens’ rights and promote awareness of controllers and processors’ legal duties. We have given considerable thought to how best to achieve this and look forward to listening to what people have to say about our plans.’

The proposed programme includes sessions on ‘what is data?’, individuals’ rights, data ethics and principles, excellence and innovation in data protection and the application of data protection in the workplace.

The one hour session will take place at 12:00 on Wednesday 10 April at the ODPA’s offices in Le Bordage and includes a welcome from the Commissioner and presentation of the programme. Time will be allocated to feedback gathering from the attendees who will be split into small groups.

Anyone who wishes to take part in the public consultation can visit www.odpa.gg/events-consultation to review the proposed events programme and send their feedback by 10 May 2019.

Once finalised, the ODPA aims to start the programme in June 2019 and will accept bookings via www.odpa.gg.