In 2012/2013, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) undertook nine advisory visits to social housing organisations in order to gain a better understanding of the data processing they undertake and the circumstances in which they operate, focusing primarily on information security and records management. This was followed up by a report, published in February this year, highlighting areas where social housing organisations should improve their compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), as well as areas of good practice.
Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Manchester, the Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, drew attention to the most important data protection issues facing the social housing sector. These include data sharing with other organisations, data retention and secure homeworking.
Ahead of the conference Mr Graham said, "Over two million people live in social housing across the UK, many of them from vulnerable groups such as the disabled and the elderly. It is therefore essential social housing organisations understand their responsibilities under the DPA, especially as much of the information they handle is so sensitive.
"The ICO wants to work with the sector to help improve areas, such as data sharing, retention schedules and secure homeworking. Tenants' trust is one of the sector's most valuable resources, and shouldn't be squandered on preventable breaches. By implementing clear policies and procedures alongside appropriate staff training, social housing organisations will be able to prevent these breaches and introduce the foundations of a secure data protection regime."
For advice on data protection matters, please contact Roy Colaba on 0121 698 2231, email r.colaba@sydneymitchell.co.uk or fill in our online enquiry form.
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