ICO offers new code of practice

The Information Commissioner's Office has written a code of practice that offers organisations practical advice on sharing data.

The document (PDF) looks at both regular data transfers and one-off events. It covers when data can be shared and how it should be protected.

This version includes more case studies from both the public and private sectors.

Information Commissioner Christopher Graham promised the consultation period meant the advice would make sense in the real world and not just on paper.

The code replaces the previous Framework code of practice.

The statutory code, although not legally binding, can be admissible in subsequent court hearings.

A spokeswoman for the ICO said that the framework provided a broad overview while the code provided more detailed guidance on how organisations should draw up their own data-sharing procedures. ®