My organisation is diverse and we are looking at appointing Data Protection Champions in various teams. I have had volunteers come forward but wonder if anyone has any experience of working with champions/team reps that they would be willing to share please? Thank you.
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Bgibbon
I agree they may come from the unlikeliest of places. I have found that compliance or technologies have been good places to find privacy advocates.
HellenB
I have found that some of the best champions come from the unlikeliest of places.
I consider my champions to be my eyes and ears on the ground in the business, so its a good idea if they come from all the different parts and I generally seek them out during training sessions. Individuals who are engaged in the process, aren’t ‘jobsworthy’ about data protection, and are willing to ask questions/call you if they aren’t sure something is right are my ideal.
In one organisation, my ‘championship team’ currently consists of 2 people from operations, one from marketing, one from management and one from business development. I’ve got the leadership team on board and the head of IT is my wingman.
It doesn’t always happen like this – and it depends upon the size of the organisation.
Liz
Thats how I’m thinking Hellen, thank you for reassuring me that I’m heading in teh right direction.
LauraS
I am in the same position – trying to design champion program but struggling to decide whether it makes sense to have a champion in each department/function or per country/region when resources are limited and the organization is wide spread across different EU/Non-EU countries. Any thoughts?
Liz
I’m looking at each department for the first steps, that way the questions/support will be tailored to the appropriate business area. Once I have a programme that is working I’m looking to expand it across the wider business area.
Barry Moult
That sounds like a sensible idea. Its good to have eyes and ears across the organisation.
The name does not matter, but in essence they could be your Information Asset Owners. They understand what systems are used, what information is processed and should report any issues to the IG/DP team…..
If you have IAO already, they may want to nominate a ‘champion’
Liz
Thats helpful Barry, thank you.