Information Pack – Who We Are And What We Do

Who we are…

A pro-active collaborative groupof practitioners who have responsibility for managing Data Protection, Security and Freedom of Information, primarily in the public sector. This includes local Councils, the NHS, Police, Probation Service and their service providers throughout the South West of England.

We are a group of committed professionals who are willing to contribute to the group and learn from each other. Everyone is given a warm welcome, whether you are a novice or have many years of experience in these areas.

Our aim is to provide mutual support, encouragement, education, and an open forum where we can raise queries, and share concerns on issues that affect our work.

Our Chairman and Executive Committee provide direction and overall strategy on behalf of the group and facilitate the provision of the group’s activities, such as seminars and group meetings (Details of our Constitution and the group’s organisational structure and responsibilities are available on our website at

We have good working relationships with central government organisations such as the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Department for Constitutional Affairs. In the past the Commissioner’s Office has consulted with us on key areas such as notification templates for local authorities. We work closely with the National Association of Data Protection Officers and support the work they do.

What do we do?

  • Meet regularly as a full group twice a year, and in addition, we have established Data Protection and Freedom of Information Sub-groups that meet four times a year to discuss topical issues and share experiences. These sub-groups are outcome-focused, and aim to produce practical down-to-earth guidance on areas such as disclosures, subject access in the light of the Durant case and charging for information under the Freedom of Information Act. All South West Group members are invited to take part in these groups. Diary dates will be emailed to you on joining the group.
  • Provide seminars and workshops on key issues affecting our organisations such as practical implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and how to manage subject access requests.
  • Produce practical guidance at a modest cost, including a model Data Protection Code of Practice that can be adapted to your needs and given to your staff to support your Data Protection policy.
  • Provide a website with members-only open forum for Data Protection and Freedom of Information queries and comments, where we can share good practice and guidance. Go to . There you will find a wealth of information, future dates and sub-group topics. pto
  • Encourage sharing of experience and knowledge. A full Membership listis distributed periodically to encourage networking and free flow of information, and bulletins are emailed to you from time to time with information and news of forthcoming events and activities.

Interested in joining?

Membership is free of charge, although there is an administration fee to cover costs if you attend the biennial main group meetings and seminars.

If you would like general information, news and updates contact Amanda Gibbs at or telephone – 01278 435783

Additional Information

New to Data Protection and Freedom of Information? Here are some useful websites:-

National Association of Data Protection Officers /
JISC – Data Protection email discussion group (initially for academic organisations but open to all) /
JISC – Freedom of Information email discussion group /
Information Commissioner’s Office /
DP Act 1998 legal guidance

Dept for Constitutional Affairs (DP and FOI) /
National Archives /
UK Data Protection Forum /
SWICG registration
SWICG Website /

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to seeing you soon.