Masterclasses - Employment Law
Data Protection and Computer Misuse – Key Employment Law Issues
Overview
The Data Protection Act (DPA) is a much disliked and criticised piece of legislation. Stories in the press have included those about a pupil whose school refused to give her exam results citing the DPA in order to protect the third party rights of the examiner and a story circulating that enforcement action might be taken against priests and ministers who ask their congregations to pray for sick parishioners and, in doing so, reveal sensitive personal data without consent.
The first half of this session will aim to deal with the myths and realities of the DPA, setting out practical steps organisations can take to ensure compliance.
The session will then turn to consider the issue of computer misuse by employees which gives rise to serious risks for any organisation, including: lack of security of information; viruses; harassment claims; lost working time; defamation actions; and entering into contractual relations unwittingly. This part of the session will help you to recognise the risks associated with employee internet use, email, and blogging; ensure your monitoring processes are lawful; and give you practical tips on how to address the risks posed by abuse of your systems.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, delegates will have the knowledge to enable them to:
· understand the main principles and terminology set out in the Data Protection Act (DPA);
· understand what is likely / unlikely to be covered by the DPA;
· identify sensitive personal data and process it fairly;
· understand an individual’s rights under the DPA, in particular, the right to make a subject access request;
· deal with a subject access request;
· understand the interplay between the DPA and Freedom of Information requirements;
· identify the risks associated with computer misuse and put in place measures to address them;
· ensure fair and proportionate monitoring of employees, including consideration of the human rights implications; and
· deal effectively with email and internet abuse.
Who is it for?
The course is suitable for all those with responsibility for:
· managing data protection and computer misuse, e.g. HR professionals, line mangers, and senior managers;
· reviewing and updating data protection and computer misuse policies and practices;
· dealing with subject access requests;
· training individuals to manage data protection and computer misuse issues effectively.
The course is designed to appeal to organisations of all sizes, whether in the private or public sectors.
Approach and Duration
The course will cover both legal issues and practical tips and will be delivered by Alan Delaney, a senior solicitor with Maclay Murray & Spens LLP.
Comprising two interactive sessions of approximately 45 minutes, and two break-out sessions, the course will run from 9.30am – 12.30pm. The first break-out session will explore key data protection issues, while the second will involve consideration of at least one case study about employee blogging which is designed to put the knowledge gained during the morning to practical use, reinforcing learning.
Who will deliver the course?
The course will be delivered by Alan Delaney, a solicitor specialising in employment law with Maclay Murray & Spens LLP. He advises public and private sector clients on all aspects of employment law. He has a keen interest in data protection law and has carried out detailed audits for clients looking at compliance and best practice. Alan regularly contributes material for publication on various subjects, including recent articles on human rights and home-working arrangements. Alan is currently studying for an LLM in Human Rights law and he tutors students in employment law and health and safety at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
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Cost
£100 + VAT
Block bookings will attract a discount. Please contact us for further information
Date
26 April 2007
Contact
To book a place or for further information, please contact Diane Thomson
t: 01383 559000
f: 01383 559001
e:
masterclasses@theblcc.co.uk
Masterclasses Training Schedule