Available in the Classroom & via Microsoft Teams

 Data Sharing in the Public Sector

Course Overview:

The sharing of personal data in the public sector grows constantly, as new opportunities are identified to improve public services through the sharing of information about individuals. Given the implications for privacy, a thorough understanding of how the data protection regime applies to data sharing is increasingly important for public authorities, as they negotiate and handle sharing arrangements, and strike careful balances between benefits and potential harms.

Areas covered on the course include:

• the meaning and types of data sharing
• identifying and recognising personal data
• the process of deciding to share personal data, including the role of Data Protection Impact Assessments
• the key role of the Data Protection Principles in setting the rules applying to data sharing
• legal powers to share data, and potential legal limitations on sharing
• the key issue of security in data sharing 
• specific issues, such as data sharing by ‘GDPR’ bodies with law enforcement agencies
• applying exceptions and exemptions in data sharing
• the role of Data Sharing Agreements 

This course offers delegates a thorough understanding of how to approach the sharing of personal data by or within the public sector. The course is fully up to date with the relevant provisions of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. It is based on the Code of Practice on Data Sharing issued by the ICO and other ICO guidance in this area.

It is recommended that delegates attending this course have some existing knowledge of data protection. Those with no existing knowledge should attend Data Protection Essential Knowledge – Level 1 before attending this course.