Issue - meetings

Information Governance update report to the Committee, providing performance management information.

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Team Leader, Commercial Contracts & Information Governance, presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided an overview of information governance performance for 2024/25. The Council continued to make steady progress in information governance and was responding to increased demand while improving performance and embedding a culture of compliance. The Committee received a detailed update in relation to the following key areas: performance, in relation to information requests and disclosures; response rates; internal reviews; Information Commissioner’s Office enquiries; training; and projects.

The DPO and the Monitoring Officer responded to questions on the report. Members were advised that work was underway to develop training for councillors in alternative formats following a discussion at the Standards Committee. It was noted that officers may also benefit from alternative provision. Training on information governance covered issues such as data breaches. The team was proactive in supporting service areas where performance rates were lower. It was noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) once fully developed could be used to increase efficiency. The process for councillors to respond to Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests was confirmed. Councillors were legally obliged to comply with requests within the timescales provided, this was not something officers could do on their behalf.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the Committee notes the Information Governance (IG) performance management information for the Financial Year 2024/25 (Q1 to Q4) contained in this report.  This includes requests received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations, Data Protection Act 2018 and other agency disclosure requests;

(b)  the Committee notes that currently a review is underway by  leadership team of the function of IG within BCP Council. 

Voting: Agreed with no dissent