Statement on the ICO public sector approach from the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on behalf of Whitehall leaders:
The Information Commissioner has set out the outcome of his two-year trial of a new approach to regulating public sector organisations. His review notes the positive impact this has had in protecting personal data and highlighting some key challenges going forward. Considering the evidence, he has decided to continue with the public sector approach and keep it under review for the foreseeable future.
I welcome the results of the trial and its findings and the positive conclusions it provides. These highlight how the ICO’s regulatory activities can deter bad practice, whilst at the same time support the government in its ambitions to transform public service and drive positive outcomes for communities.
As the ICO’s sponsoring department within Government and on behalf of Whitehall leaders, DSIT would like to state its continued support to increase awareness of best practice and promote compliance across government departments. We will continue to engage with the ICO at a senior level in support of this initiative.
I look forward to the outcome of the consultations and any future recommendations made by the Commissioner. I would lastly like to thank the ICO for their continued support and pragmatic approach to enforcing the UK’s data protection legislation in respect of public sector organisations.
