BPF Spotlight Series: Privacy and Data Protection Group

📣As part of our Open Call 2024, our BPF Privacy and Data Protection Group is looking for new members! If you're passionate about privacy and data protection, apply to join the group here.

💡In the spotlight this week, we spoke with Assistant Director Rachel Kelly to learn more about the group's work. Here's what she had to say:

❓What’s the remit of the BPF Privacy and Data Protection Group?

🗣️The group focuses on how data protection laws apply to the property sector, making sure members stay informed about the latest developments in this fast-paced regulatory landscape and to help the industry understand the practical impacts.

We also engage with the Government and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on issues that matter most to the sector. It also serves as a valuable network for connecting with peers.

❓Who sits on the group and who are its key stakeholders?

🗣️The group includes members responsible for data protection in their organisations, including data protection officers, in-house lawyers and compliance managers. It's also supported by external lawyers who are experts in this field. Our main stakeholder within Government is the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The group is currently up for Open Call – so please do apply here if you’re interested in getting involved!

❓What issues are top of the agenda for the group at the moment?

🗣️The Government has recently published the new Data (Use and Access) Bill – so we’ll look to engage with this as it goes through Parliament. More generally, we focus on issues which are most relevant to members – from the use of facial recognition technology and collection of energy consumption data, to privacy issues arising from the use of AI.

We’re hosting a webinar on Wednesday 3 December for anyone interested in getting a sense of the current hot topics - you can sign up here.

❓Who should apply to join the group?

🗣️Anyone with an interest in this area or responsibility for data protection within their organisation! We're seeking to grow the group with enthusiastic members who are keen to contribute to strategic discussions and shape policy in this area.