05 August 2011
The States of Guernsey and the States of Jersey will both be considering proposals in September for the creation of a single Data Protection Commissioner responsible for Jersey and Guernsey.
With the imminent retirement of the Guernsey Data Protection Commissioner, both Islands have been examining the feasibility of a single Commissioner for both Guernsey and Jersey Data Protection. The proposed Commissioner’s role would be divided between Guernsey and Jersey with responsibility for developing and enforcing the Data Protection legislation appropriate to each Bailiwick.
The reports will cover relevant accountabilities, locations and services. It is planned that no changes will be made to physical offices currently located in Jersey and Guernsey or to day to day operations however improvements will be identified in resilience, efficiency and legislative development and enforcement.
Paul Whitfield, Chief Officer for the Home Department in Guernsey said: “We see this potential change as improving the operational and service performance of our office and providing consistency of approach with the Jersey Data Protection Commission.”
Tom Gales for the Chief Minister’s Department in Jersey said: “This is an opportunity to consider a sensible option to provide a better service and a more consistent approach to both Bailiwicks. It will also offer both Islands over time a greater degree of resilience and experience to the wider Data Protection issues that the Channel Islands face.”
The review is fully compliant with the declared policy of both Governments for joint working where possible to make best use of resources.
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