Information governance is a diverse and complex aspect of the law, covering areas such as data protection and freedom of information law.
Data protection law affects every business or organisation operating in the UK. It is an increasingly high profile area too, as individuals become more alive to their rights in relation to information held about them, and businesses and organisations become more aware of their obligations under data protection legislation. Failure to comply with can have severe consequences, including criminal sanctions, under data protection legislation as this now stands.
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 added a further raft of complexity for public bodies and businesses and organisations that contract with public bodies. For example, there remains little flexibility for businesses and organisations contracting with public bodies to keep sensitive contractual terms out of the public domain. And public bodies themselves are now expected to have publication schemes to cover freedom of information requests.
Hill Dickinson’s IT and information governance team has broad experience of all aspects of information governance, including data protection and freedom of information law.
Our IT lawyers have expertise and experience in advising businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, charities, healthcare providers, educational establishments and government and local authorities, on what are often complex compliance issues.
Examples of recent work include:
- Providing training on information governance law and compliance for a national charity
- Making a voluntary notification to the Information Commissioner on behalf of a high profile client
- Assisting NHS Trusts with responding to requests for information under data protection and freedom of information legislation
- Advising an NHS Trust on its freedom of information publication scheme, and training staff on its implementation
- Advising clients on issues around marketing and information governance law.
We have recently launched an information governance consultancy service, whereby clients can access advice and training on all aspects of information governance law and compliance. Our IT lawyers can also provide bespoke training packages tailored to specific individuals, teams or departments within an organisation.
