Stories from September, 2023

Section 21 Exemption: Information Already Accessible

Freedom of information empowers citizens with the right to access information held by public authorities, fostering open governance. However, to balance out the general right of access to information there are a number of exemptions to disclosure. Public Authorities can apply them in certain circumstances. One such reason is covered

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Reputational Risk: Definition, Causes and Assessment

Reputational risk is a threat to an organisation's standing and image, and this type of risk is a key concern for many organisations. In this article, we delve deep into the realm of reputational risks within the context of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). We explore the definitions, impacts, sources, and

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Managing Information Risk: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing information risk is vital because data and information are the lifeblood of modern business, and even personal lives. However, with the growing reliance on data and information comes an array of risks that can jeopardise their integrity, confidentiality, and availability. In this article, we delve into the world of

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FOI Exemptions: Absolute Exemptions to Disclosure

What are FOI exemptions? The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) promotes transparency and accountability within the United Kingdom. It empowers citizens with the right to access information held by public authorities. However, the FOIA also recognises that certain types of information must be shielded from public scrutiny to safeguard

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Declarations of Interests: When to Declare

Declarations of interests are important. Interests that people have, and which may create a real or perceived conflicts with people’s duties need to be managed. To be managed they need to be declared. It's a critical aspect of maintaining transparency, upholding ethical standards, and building trust, both within organisations and

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Categories of Risk: Types, Definition, and Examples

What are the categories of risk and how does this affect risk management? Find out with this detailed explainer here. Contents Different categories of risks Financial Risks Reputational Risks Operational Risks When Risk Categories Meet Other Types of Risk Category? Identifying and Managing Risks ________________________________________________________________________________________________ [su_box title="About the Author" box_color="#020a4a"]Michael

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PECR and Information Governance

Effective information governance is essential for organisations to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with data protection laws. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR 2003) play a crucial role in this landscape. This article explores the significance of PECR 2003 in the context of information governance, emphasising its

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The Benefits of GDPR Compliance

The benefits of GDPR compliance are very broad. Over the last few decades data has emerged as the most important asset any business can have. Sometimes described as “the new oil” data and data processing has transformed the world. Without it most modern economies could not function and things like

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FOI and GDPR: sharing personal data

FOI and GDPR meet when it comes to sharing personal data. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) is key legislation for transparency and accountability in the United Kingdom. Enacted with the aim of giving people greater access to information held by public authorities, it empowers them to request a

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Perceived Conflicts of Interests: Why Perception Matters as Much as the Reality

Perceived conflicts of interests matter as much as actual ones in terms of the risks and issues they present. Conflicts of interests occur when an individual or entity's personal, financial, or professional interests potentially compromise their ability to act impartially. While the reality of such conflicts is a significant concern,

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Email Management: Top Tips for Productivity

Email management is needed because over the last 25 years email has become an indispensable tool for communication, both in personal and professional spheres. However, the convenience of email also brings with it a growing challenge – managing the constant influx of messages, newsletters, and notifications. It also presents serious

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Risks and Issues: Understanding the Difference

In the field of risk management, the terms "risks" and "issues" are frequently heard, but poorly understood. While they may appear similar, distinguishing between the two is essential for effective decision-making and risk mitigation. In this article, we delve into the distinctions between risks and issues, examining their characteristics, management

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