Episode 7 – Data Protection

Data Protection and Exciting Updates at OCU – January 2024

Hello and welcome back to the In The Pipeline series! As we kick off 2024, we’re excited to bring you fresh insights and updates from OCU Group. This post dives into the importance of data protection, aligning perfectly with Data Protection Day on January 28th. It also highlights some of the exciting developments here at OCU. So, let’s get started!

The Importance of Data Protection

Data Protection Day, celebrated on January 28th, commemorates the signing of Convention 108 in 1981. This treaty was instrumental in establishing data protection laws across many countries, ensuring the safety and privacy of personal data. The focus on this day underlines the importance of robust data protection measures in our increasingly digital world.

As part of our renewed focus on data protection, we’re launching new e-learning materials and implementing updated policies. Our marketing team has also put together a range of graphics, tips, and guides to help you understand and protect your personal data, both at work and in your private life.

Insights from Dean Hogarth, Data Protection and Privacy Director

Dean Hogarth, our Data Protection and Privacy Director, sheds light on the origins of data protection laws. After World War II, both the United Nations and European nations introduced human rights declarations that included the right to privacy. These foundational principles led to the development of data protection laws, balancing the need to safeguard personal data with the ability to share it responsibly for business purposes.

Dean also provided insights into the real-world consequences of data breaches. For instance, a journalist had their entire digital life erased due to poor data protection controls, and a serious incident with the Northern Irish Police Force mistakenly revealed sensitive identities and addresses of police officers, leading to drastic personal impacts.

Best Practices for Data Protection

Dean emphasized the basics that employers must know when handling personal data. OCU is rolling out new e-learning modules available through Microsoft Teams, covering topics such as identifying personal data, understanding data processing, and best practices for safeguarding data. These measures, combined with a revised data protection policy and a comprehensive data processing register, are designed to minimize risks and enhance our data protection framework.

Exciting News and Updates from OCU

As we enter 2024, we’re thrilled to share some of the latest developments at OCU:

• 10k Winter Walk for Charity: OCU Modus team members are participating in a 10k winter walk on January 27th to raise funds for the London Air Ambulance. The walk starts at the Oval Cricket Ground, passing notable landmarks along the River Thames.
• Project Milestone in OCU Telecom: We’ve made significant progress in our OCU Telecom division with the replacement and installation of a new fibre cable between Bristol Patchway and Cardiff. The project involves working through the challenging 7-kilometer Severn rail tunnel.
• OCU National Graduate Scheme: We’ve launched our first-ever national graduate scheme, offering various roles across the UK. This initiative provides graduates with opportunities to advance their careers and learn from OCU leaders.
• Project Evolve’s Success: Launched in October 2023, Project Evolve has seen great success. Through MBL Seminars Limited, OCU is investing in soft skills training, complementing our focus on technical training. To date, 43% of those invited to the platform have signed up, completing 79 courses with another 43 in progress.

There’s so much more we’d love to share, so be sure to continue following our blog and podcast series.

Thank you for reading this post! Stay informed about your data protection rights and stay tuned for our next update—you won’t want to miss it.

We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our efforts at OCU and look forward to bringing you more updates and insights in the future.