Data Protection Act 1998: An A to Z Guide

Content review:

The Data Protection Act 1998 impacts on every sector of the UK - public and private. Compliance with the Act is vital in ensuring the continued trust of service users and customers. Since November 2007 when the Government lost the details of 26 million benefit claimants there have been frequent high profile stories about data loss and poor data security. Many organisations have been found to have breached the DPA. The list includes the Health Service Trusts, local authorities, banks, solicitors firms, a political party and government departments. The Information Commissioner in his commentary on these breaches of the law has consistently recommended training in the Act.

He has recently acquired new powers (including £500,000 fines and the possibility of imprisonment) to allow him to enforce the Act and these are now being rolled out. This course equips delegates to be the data protection expert in their organisation and to understand all aspects of the Act. It includes case studies, video and discussion and gives delegates the tools to bring their organisation into compliance with the Act.

PROGRAMME - 10.00am to 4.00pm

When Does the Act Apply?

• "Personal Data" in the light of the Durant case
• Paper Records
• Changes in the light of Freedom of Information

The Eight Data Protection Principles

• The Fair Processing Code
• Transferring Data Abroad
• Retention Schedules
• When consent is needed?
• Opt in/out forms

Subject Access Explained

• What is disclosable and when?
• How far do you have to go? (Ezsias case)
• Exceptions

Information Security

• Your legal responsibilities
• Technical and organisational measures
• Contracts with data processors
• Employees responsibilities
• Implications of Child Benefit data loss

Enforcement and Penalties

• Damages and Civil Actions
• Role of the Information Commissioner
• The new ICO powers explained

Codes of Practice

• CCTV (revised) and Surveillance
• Employment and Personnel Records

Associated Legislation

• Human Rights Act
• Freedom of Information Act
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Latest Hot Topics and Cases

• Data Sharing for Crime Prevention
• Violent Warning Markers
• Use of Data for Marketing
• Implications for ContactPoint
• Fraud Detection & The National Fraud Initiative
• One Stop Shops and CRM Databases
• Biometrics in Schools

Case Studies and Action Plan