About Us
Bringing together professionals in the private and public sectors to discuss data protection, freedom of information and related topics
The Data Protection Forum provides a focus for the collection, formulation, exchange and communication of ideas and information on data protection, freedom of information and related topics. The Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) is the law which regulates the collection and use of personal information. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FoIA) is the law which regulates access to public sector information. These, and other laws and regulations which interface with the Acts, are explored and discussed at the Forum's regular quarterly meetings
Public and private sector bodies and their representative associations in many sectors have tackled data protection issues for themselves. The role of the Data Protection Forum is to share ideas and solutions based on the idea that co-operation between organisations in all areas would be advantageous. The Forum complements and assists the work of existing associations and those working in data protection by providing a forum for dialogue and mutual assistance
Benefits
The Data Protection Forum represents remarkable value (at just £100 per year per individual) offering:
- Four meetings a year with at least three speakers at each meeting
- Full access to information and resources on the Forum's website;
- Data protection and FOI information and briefings on the working of the legislation;
- Networking with colleagues in other sectors, helped by the list of members' contact details;
- An opportunity to influence data protection policy-making at all levels;
- Awareness of future developments and trends;
- Development of mutual understanding between data subjects and data users;
- data protection and FOI information and briefing on the working of the legislation;
- networking with colleagues in other sectors, helped by the list of members' contact details;
Meetings
We hold quarterly meetings in Canary Wharf, London on the first Tuesday in March, June and December and the first Thursday in September. These include refreshments and lunch for members.
Each meeting generally includes three or four guest speakers on matters of direct relevance to members' work. These speakers are drawn from the public and private sectors, from government and from the regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioner's Office, the European Commission and regulators from beyond the UK who are responsible for promoting compliance and enforcing legislation of interest to members.
Membership
Forum members represent a cross section of those involved with data protection and freedom of information. Private sector members come from financial services, retail, law, accountancy, consultancy, marketing, travel, insurance, charity etc. Public sector members come from the police, local authorities, central government, health, universities and other parts of the public sector.
Membership fees
The subscription year runs from April to March. Members may register up to five representatives from their company. An annual membership fee is payable in respect of each representative. Members may send substitute representatives to meetings. Annual membership fees are currently £100 per registered representative.
Members may, in addition to their number of registered representatives (or substitutes), also bring additional guests to meetings. The fee per additional guest per meeting is £50 to include refreshments and lunch.
New members or additional representatives joining in the second half of the year, i.e. after the September meeting, only pay one half of the annual fee. Full details are in the joining instructions.