The Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) is holding an event to mark International Data Protection Day on 28 January, and is extending an open invite to all those who work in data protection to register to attend.
Data Protection Day has been recognised internationally annually since 2007, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting privacy and data protection best practices.
The ODPA’s event will present an opportunity for local data protection professionals to meet, share stories, and talk with the commissioner and her team. The event will also explore the role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO), in particular, the special protections the Law gives to individuals who hold these roles within local organisations.
Emma Martins, Data Protection Commissioner for the Bailiwick of Guernsey commented on the special status that data protection officers, in particular, hold in local organisations:
“An effective data protection professional is good for their organisation and also for compliance which in turn benefits us all. The Data Protection Officer (DPO) role in particular demands many skills ranging from legal and operational to technical. It also, importantly, requires the individual to be able to communicate effectively, including at board/senior management level.
“I am very keen to support DPOs, and to encourage their recognition as respected and valued employees. They should operate independently, report to the highest tier of management within any organisation and be given sufficient resources to allow them to meet their legal obligations and maintain their knowledge.”
The informal event will be held at the ODPA’s premises at St Martin’s House, Le Bordage from 13:00-14:00 on Monday 28 January. All data protection professionals who wish to attend should visit www.buytickets.at/odpato to register for their free place. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.