So you’re the head of your organisation and responsible for many things. Do you know you’re also the default information officer? This means that as the CEO, you’re legally accountable for your organisation’s personal information. What does this mean for you? You may have delegated your personal responsibilities around data protection, including POPIA and Access to Information (PAIA), to someone else, the designated information officer, but you remain accountable. You are the one who could go to jail. You need to assure the board of directors (or shareholders), and we can help get you on the front foot.
You could go to jail. You need to assure the board of directors (or shareholders).
As the head of an organisation, your responsibility is to:
- Steer and set the strategic direction.
- Approve policy and planning.
- Oversee and monitor.
- Ensure accountability.
Take accountability for being the default information officer
Get empowered by understanding your responsibilities. Join one of our specialist attorneys in a practical hour-long webinar or one-on-one consultation. It will equip you with exactly what you need to know to ensure that people are appropriately and cost-effectively managing the data protection and access to information risks in your organisation.
If you’re the designated information officer reading this, why not help your default by suggesting they book. They’ll thank you for it and it will help you to meet your responsibilities.
Outcomes for the default information officer
- Understand your legal obligations as the default information officer by knowing that you’re accountable.
- Understand the impact of data protection and access to information on your organisation by reviewing the level of risk.
- Check that your programme is on track by speaking to someone independent and understanding industry trends.
- Give shareholders and the governing body assurance by being in a position to report back to the audit and risk committee.
- Manage the budget by understanding the opportunities and costs associated with this. What is realistic?
- Decide whether you have the appropriate tools in place.
- Confirm that you have designated the appropriate person to be the designated information officer.
- Be able to go back and access what was discussed by having a recording.
- Know what steps you need to take by getting a list of agreed actions for people to implement.
- Know what information the designated information officer should provide you with when you ask them to report on it.
- Get peace of mind by knowing you have taken action.
Please note that this is not an executive briefing or training for the designated information officer.
Arranging the one-on-one consultation
We will allocate the appropriate attorney to you, and share their calendar with you so that you can choose a time that is most suitable for you.
Invoicing
We will liaise with your vendor onboarding team, if we are not already registered with your organisation.