Newsletter

Increasing spread of BYOD work practice leaves organisations open to legal action & fines - ICO Head of Enforcement, Stephen Eckersley, says:  “Organisations must be aware of how people are now storing and using personal information for work. ….. It is clear that more and more people are now using a personal device, particularly their mobile phones and tablets, for work purposes so its crucial employers are providing guidance and training to staff which covers this use.

“We have published guidance on this growing trend, commonly known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and we would urge all organisations to make sure they follow our recommendations by ensuring their data protection policies reflect the way many of us are now using personal devices for work.”

The ICO’s guidance explains that some of the key issues organisations need to be aware of when allowing staff to use personal devices for work include:

*     Be clear with staff about which types of personal data may be processed on personal devices and which may not

*     Use a strong password to secure your devices

*     Enable encryption to store data on the device securely

*    Ensure that access to the device is locked or data automatically deleted if an incorrect password is input too many times 

*     Use public cloud-based sharing & public backup services, which you have not fully assessed, with extreme caution, if at all 

*     Register devices with a remote locate & wipe facility to maintain confidentiality of the data in the event of a loss or theft
Press release & links ~ ICO fines Glasgow City Council £150K ~ Police Force Pays £120,000 Penalty for Data Breach ~ ICO - Action taken after care provider lost unencrypted memory stick ~ ICO:  Should the ICO investigate the police for not ensuring that personal data in the Downing Street security log & police notebooks were kept secure? (4^th item) ~ ICO:  Fining an organisation gets their attention, but a personal fine for the ‘responsible officer’ as well might ensure they became compliant (3^rd item) ~ ICO - Council caught out after loss of memory stick
 
What we need is a ‘Successful Start’, not just a ‘Fresh Start’ - In her first major announcement as the Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe has outlined her priorities for transforming how the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will monitor, inspect and regulate care homes and other adult social care services, with a greater focus on public involvement and improvement.

Key proposals include awarding ratings to every care home & adult social care service by March 2016 to help people make informed decisions about their care and establishing expert inspection teams involving people who have experience of care services.  The Chief Inspector’s plans & priorities are set out in A Fresh Start for the Regulation and Inspection of Adult Social Care, ahead of a full public consultation in spring 2014.
Press release & links ~ First Social Care Report puts spotlight on leadership ~ Clear public support for inspection changes ~ Care Minister announces proposals to deal with rushed care visits ~ Home care commissioning practices by local authorities must protect older people’s human rights ~ CQC appoints Heads of Hospital Inspections ~ Government strengthens health regulator’s independence ~ Have your say on Care Quality Commission fees ~ LGA - New adult social care appointment for LGA and ADASS ~ Data collection shake-up as social care moves into the 21st century ~ CQC bank on extra inspection expertise ~ Poll identifies mixed bag of challenges to 'genuine' integration ~ Eric Pickles hails Council Tax ‘5 year freeze’ and £3.8bn for social care ~ New government reforms won't solve social care funding challenge ~ Reforming the law for adult social care ~ Early warning system to protect against care home failure ~ CQC launch 'State of Care' report 2012 ~ IFS:  Whatever we are going to do to raise the care funding, we need to start doing it soon (3^rd item)

Could this treaty change trigger a referendum? - The European Parliament should have the right to decide where & when it meets, said the Constitutional Affairs Committee last week.  MEPs undertake to initiate an EU treaty revision procedure to propose the changes needed to allow Parliament to decide on the location of its seat and its internal organisation.
Press release & links ~ HMT:  Detailed critical analysis or Europhile Civil Service ‘fudge’? ~ EU News:  The countdown to a UK referendum has begun as EC outlines timetable for proposed Treaty Changes ~ EU News:  Let’s start by capping the CAP & selling off the Strasbourg parliamentary offices (11th item)

Just in case the bankers get it wrong again - The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has produced a new online tool for consumers who want to know whether their savings are protected.  The simple savings protection checker allows people to enter the names of their banks, building societies and credit unions they have money with. The checker then informs them whether their savings are protected by FSCS.
Press release & links

Simplifying Secrecy classifications - The government security classifications will be fundamentally overhauled for the first time since World War II.  The shake-up will see the 6 existing levels of protective marking replaced with 3: Official, Secret and Top Secret. The new markings will be used by over 700,000 civil servants and military personnel from April 2014, and are set to be adopted by the wider public sector in due course.
Press release & links

Have you got what it takes to be a reserve? - Army Reserve units were in Edinburgh last Saturday, 19 October, to show the public what they are all about.  The event is part of a wider recruitment campaign which aims to encourage new recruits to the Army Reserve.

Chefs, drivers, medics, infantrymen, engineers, signallers and many more came together at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Edinburgh to explain more about the 220 reservist roles available.
Press release & links ~ London Army reservists train in Cyprus

Public Sector Pensions would be more affordable if administration was standardised - Advice from financial markets experts will be used to identify vital administrative savings in the management of town hall pensions.  Figures published for the local government pension scheme show there is scope for reforms to improve performance and reduce investment management & administration overheads, which cost taxpayers £508m in England & Wales.  These range from £28 to over £300 per scheme member across 89 separately managed funds.
Press release & links

Gartner Data Center Summit 2013  |  25 – 26 November  |  London  |   Taking Charge, Leading Change: Your I&O Transformation Can't Wait - From aligning I&O initiatives with business priorities, to benchmarking best practices for the future, this event equips I&O leaders with the ‘must-have’ strategies to manage today’s rapidly evolving technologies and business models.

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*     Morgan Stanley
*     QVC
*     RDW
*     University of St Andrews

Drawing from our latest research, our team of analysts deliver on your data centre needs with a powerful five-track agenda:

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Click here to view the full agenda.


Please note that previously published newsletters can be accessed from the Newsletter Archive

End to foreign language driving tests

Expert panel of judges announced for First World War Victoria Cross paving stone competition

NHS Confederation launches 2015 Challenge

LGA - Motorists paying over £1,000 per year in Treasury taxes

TfL helps ex-Armed Forces members back into employment

IfL welcomes subsidy for maths teaching programme

Hundreds of military families given leg up the housing ladder

£350,000 worth of funding to support winter events

Revisions to NHS Mandate cause 'concern'

Appeal for information on illegally dumped waste in East Hampshire

Local Authority Funding announced – (WAG:  LA Funding announced)

Groundbreaking deal set to make London global currency centre for investment in China – (Chancellor welcomes investment commitments from two of China’s internet giants)

MOD seeks ideas to preserve HMS Illustrious – (Stow Maries aerodrome saved by £1.5m grant)

Nuclear talks between Iran and E3+3 to continue in November

Changes to motorcycle, lorry and bus driving test rules

International Credit Union Day 2013

The role of West Indian soldiers during the First World War – (Looking back at the ‘Thin Multi-racial Line’ 4^th item)

Historical manuscripts together for the first time

First Minister meets with Ineos and Unite

What is the Autumn Statement?

Pension fraud websites taken down following NCA alerts

Rail campaigners hand over petition to keep East Coast line public, as cross-party support for campaign grows

Major Adam Foden awarded Distinguished Service Order

Further education: learning difficulties and disabilities reforms

Launch of Criminal Justice Board to tackle hate crime in Wales

World leaders sign global agreement to help beat hunger

Chancellor hails ‘next big step in the relationship between Britain and China’ – (Chancellor announces simplified visa applications for Chinese visitors ~ CBI comments on visa process for Chinese visitors)

River maintenance pilots begin

Local people first in line for council homes

Global Handwashing Day: Britain supports water & sanitation access to 4m in DRC

Badger cull - piloting controls on bovine TB – (Badger cull extension application in Gloucestershire)

New reforms to increase diversity of coroners

Jobseekers to start signing new Claimant Commitment

Almost £9m allocated to help heat homes

New central government communication service to save money and raise standards

UK Government move will “severely restrict” Assembly’s powers to deal with anti-social behaviour – First Minister

Lord Nash calls for more academy sponsors

New PF2: Government delivers new approach for investment in public infrastructure

Joint Ministerial Committee communiqué: October 2013 – (FM to tell PM: 'Scotland's people deserve better' - Hyslop: ‘Scotland won’t slam door on foreign students’)

Government review of ombudsman landscape is ‘timely and welcomed’

Respecting the Arctic, promoting UK interests

A brighter future for hardworking tenants

New strategic communication services framework will deliver savings

UK hosts Open Government Partnership Summit - (Bright Spots of open government to be recognised at global summit)

GOV.UK - 1 year old and improving all the time

Government moving forward with pension fund consolidation

Improving cross-border consumer protection: The European Commission wants your views – (closes on 31 January 2014)

Energy demand reduction initiatives: please share your views – (closes on 29 October 2013)

Wider audience targeted as lasting power of attorney (LPA) process goes online – (closes on 26 November 2013)

Modernising wildlife law – (closes on 30 November 2013)

OFT consults on draft guidance for letting agents & landlords – (closes on 10 December 2013)

Additional Consultations:  Readers should be aware that many consultations are never publicised with a press release, so do not appear in either the email alerts or Wired - GOV Plus.  Many of these consultations (& subsequent conclusions) can be found at the following links:
GOV.UK consultations ~ Current ScotGov consultations ~ Recently added WAG consultations 

Local people first in line for council homes

FCA confirms how it will use new power to publicise warning notices

News savings tool allows consumers to check their money is FSCS protected

IEA - Poorest hit hardest by consumption taxes, new research shows

CIPD:  Employers adopt flexible approach to working patterns in effort to reduce absence levels
 
Key Statistics and Quick Statistics for local authorities in the United Kingdom

Tax-free childcare: 900,000 working poor families will miss out on crucial help with bills

Revalidation progressing well but challenges ahead

Public Accounts Committee publishes report on BBC Salford

Children on free school meals are being failed in Northumberland

Give universities bigger role in growing economy: Witty – (CBI comments on Witty review of universities & growth)

Persistent pupil absence falls by a third

Sort out dog’s breakfast of London Assembly role and powers

How higher education in England works – (CBI comments on Universities UK higher education report - Employers champion part-time study in higher education)

Councils’ use of bed & breakfast accommodation failing young people & families, says Ombudsman

Public Accounts Committee publishes report on BBC Salford

Thousands more pupils studying rigorous subjects

Report on the FCO's human rights work in 2012 published – (FCO responds to Foreign Affairs Committee’s report into the departments human rights work)

Government should carefully monitor impact of housing benefit changes

Crime in England and Wales, Year Ending June 2013 – (PCCs welcome drop in crime but call for more support for victims of sexual offences)

 Britain needs a pay rise to tackle child poverty and improve social mobility

Employment Allowance boost for business - bill introduced to Parliament

Further education: learning difficulties and disabilities reforms

National Cyber Crime Unit arrest

New reforms to increase diversity of coroners

CC finalises measures to open up audit market – (CBI comments on final audit reform proposals)

OFT launches market study into the supply of public sector ICT services

Tenancy cheats to face full force of the law – (Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013)

Wider audience targeted as lasting power of attorney (LPA) process goes online

Royal Veterinary College data breach highlights importance of guidance on personal devices

Firm fined after 200 put at asbestos risk

The FCA publishes data on complaints and redress for the first half of 2013

Independent investigation into allegations a then West Yorkshire officer ‘acted on behalf’ of Jimmy Savile

CC makes final decision on hospitals merger

Ofcom to audit subtitles on live TV programmes

Selby District Council told to apologise to couple following planning error

Ministry of Justice supports almost 1,000 victims of trafficking

Military medical techniques saving lives at home

Improving cross-border consumer protection: The European Commission wants your views

Important decisions by the Transport Council on rail safety, air traffic management, on funding of maritime safety agency and on setting up a satellite navigation agency

Rail safety: Commission welcomes significant progress achieved at Transport Council

The future of EU Battlegroups to be discussed in London

Auditors urge better disaster preparedness

CBI responds to EEF report on the UK's future relationship with the EU – (EU regulation must always sow the seeds of growth - CBI)

Call for a treaty change to allow Parliament to decide where it sits

Better protection for EU Consumers downloading games, e-books, videos and music

Energy: Commission unveils list of 250 infrastructure projects that may qualify for €5,85 billion of funding

Government welcomes business-led plan to cut EU red tape

Agreement on the European globalisation adjustment fund

EU e-signature plan to make electronic deals safer and easier

Launch of the EU's new infrastructure policy - TEN-T Days in Tallinn, Estonia

What does the Commission mean by secure Cloud computing services in Europe?

World Food Day 2013 – Calling for quality, not just quantity – (World Food Day: Commission underlines commitment to reducing food waste in Europe)

The European Commission Recommends to Grant the Status of Candidate for EU Membership to Albania, and that Accession Negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia be Opened

EU enlargement: priorities for 2014 – (Minister for Europe welcomes EU enlargement package)

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into new Gibraltar corporate tax regime

Aviation emissions: Commission proposes applying EU ETS to European regional airspace from 1 January 2014

The EESC calls for a total ban on planned obsolescence

Youth Guarantee: Commission works with Member States to prepare for immediate implementation

Commissioner calls on UK students and apprentices to sign up for Erasmus+

Government welcomes historic EU-Canada free trade agreement

100% basic broadband coverage achieved across Europe – EU target achieved ahead of schedule.

‘Upside-down’ under-occupancy penalty could cost taxpayers - (Report)

Citizens Advice backs payday loan charter

Get online week and the personal impacts of being offline – (Getting healthy at Spotlights on Bletchley)

Public back investment to tackle homelessness

Spread the word & connect more rough sleepers to help

Ministry of Justice supports almost 1,000 victims of trafficking

Big Society Advisory Forum Communiqué

Employment Allowance boost for business - bill introduced to Parliament – (A million more people in jobs)

Funding Competition: Tools and services for synthetic biology

CBI comments on late payment consultation

FCA confirms how it will use new power to publicise warning notices

Energy demand reduction initiatives: please share your views

New support to help communities re-energise their high streets

CC finalises measures to open up audit market

Supporting UK exporters overseas – (Executive Summary ~ Full Report ~ FCO & UKTI welcome NAO report supporting UK exporters ~ CBI comments on NAO report calling for action on exports)

Give universities bigger role in growing economy: Witty – (CBI comments on Witty review of universities and growth)

New PF2: Government delivers new approach for investment in public infrastructure

Plans unveiled to support IP-rich businesses get funding

Ofcom seeks interest in former MOD spectrum

Sucess Story - Vantage Power catches the bus business

Racing start for next generation of engineers

I-TAC wins again at Chemicals Northwest Awards

Go ahead given for China to take stake in British nuclear power

Tax certainty for oil & gas decommissioning will lead to extra £13bn North Sea investment

Moves to deepen links between Catapults and UK Research Base

Racing start for next generation of engineers

UK hosts high-level meeting on global nutrition & growth

Come and Join IEWM at Rewiring Public Services - West Midlands, 6th December

UK hosts Open Government Partnership Summit - (Bright Spots of open government to be recognised at global summit)

Find out what savings you can make on insurance procurement – attend our webinar