Stories from November, 2023

Conflicts of Interests and Whistleblowing

Conflicts of interests and whistleblowing and linked because every organisation has a dual responsibility: to identify and manage conflicts of interests while fostering an environment that encourages whistleblowing. While having interests is normal, compliance with counter fraud and bribery legislation requires organisations to be resilient in managing these interests. At

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Consent and GDPR: processing data lawfully

Consent is one of the lawful bases for sharing data under GDPR but it is only one – and suitable for only limited situations. Here we discuss when it does, and does not, work.

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Advice and Assistance under the FOI Act

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) grants the public the right to access information held by public authorities. Section 16 of the FOIA places a duty on public authorities to provide advice and assistance to persons who propose to make, or have made, requests for information to it. This

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Risk Mitigation Strategies and Approaches

Risk mitigation is the key to effective risk management. Risk mitigation means deciding how you will manage, and ideally reduce, the risks you have identified. You can get a deeper introduction into the important of mitigating risks here. In this article we will explore the key ways you can go

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Whistleblowing: An Introduction

Whistleblowing, an act of courage and conscience, has a rich history entwined with the evolution of societal norms and ethical considerations. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted landscape of whistleblowing, exploring its definitions, motivations, types, and the profound impact it has on various aspects of our society.

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Information Governance Policy: A Guide

An information governance policy is needed by any organisation that processes data and information. This doesn’t just mean personal data. In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the effective management of information is paramount. Developing a robust Information Governance (IG) policy is not merely a compliance necessity but a strategic

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Mistakes with Conflicts of Interests

Mistakes with conflicts of interests can lead to ethical breaches, legal consequences, and reputational damage. In this article we will explore common mistakes organisations make, and ways to avoid them. Contents Top Mistakes with Conflicts of Interests Avoiding Mistakes with Conflicts of Interests [su_box title="About the Author" box_color="#020a4a"]Michael has over

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Section 36 Exemption to FOI

A section 36 exemption to the Freedom of Information Act allows information to be withheld if it would prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs. It is named after the relevant section in the Act. Contents What Does the Act Say? What Does This Mean? Public authority Qualified Person Free

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GDPR for SMEs: How it Applies

In this article we are going to explore GDPR for SMEs, and how the GDPR applies to them. In the era of heightened data privacy concerns, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in navigating the intricate landscape of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This comprehensive guide aims

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Developing a Retention Schedule: A Guide

Developing a retention schedule is a key part of preserving records until it is time to archive them or destroy them. In this article we will explore the key elements to developing a retention schedule and how to get started. Contents Why Have a Retention Schedule? Understanding Retention Requirements Inventory

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The Lawful Bases for Data Processing

The Lawful Bases for Data Processing are set out in the UK GDPR. In this article we will introduce each of the lawful bases and how they apply. [su_box title="About the Author" box_color="#020a4a"]Michael has many years' experience supporting, developing and improving effective data protection and GDPR compliance systems. He has

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Section 43: Commercially Sensitive Information

In this article we will explore the exemption to sharing information under the Freedom of Information Act - Section 43: commercially sensitive information. This exemption, a guardian of commercial interests, is meticulously designed to prevent the disclosure of information that could potentially harm businesses. Here we will unravel Section 43

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