Why is the Privacy Professional Award important?
Peter Berghmans
CEO and trainer at Data Protection Institute, DPO in healthcare and member of de Vlaamse toezichtcommissie (VTC, flemish data protection authority)
The Belgian Cyber Security Coalition is emphasizing the importance of data protection with the introduction of the new Privacy Professional Award. This award is open to all practitioners, researchers, educators, and professionals who have made significant contributions to enhancing privacy and data protection. This broad eligibility reflects the award’s aim to recognize excellence in the field, regardless of specific roles.
It cannot be emphasized enough how important this award is for the ongoing professionalization of the community. Recognizing the contributions and achievements of privacy professionals helps to set standards, inspire innovation, and encourage best practices within the field. This recognition not only motivates current professionals but also attracts new talent to the sector, ensuring that the role of data protection continues to evolve and strengthen. Supporting such initiatives reinforces the collective commitment to data protection across organizations and industries.
Why am I participating?
I'm dedicated to advancing the role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs). DPOs play a crucial role in the implementation of data protection within organizations, serving as a vital link between the organization, data subjects, and regulatory authorities. However, this young profession still has room for further development. It is important to reflect on this role and use this award as an opportunity to promote and elevate the position of the DPO.
My achievements and future plans focus on research, education, and leadership. Through my nomination, I aim to highlight and elevate the critical role DPOs play in the evolving landscape of data protection. As a nominee for the Privacy Professional Award, and with my experience in these fields, I explain my achievements and objectives briefly. For more information on these objectives in both Dutch and French, please refer to the links at the bottom.
How the role of the DPO can be strengthened?
There is a need for comprehensive research into the evolving role of the DPO, aimed at providing a clear understanding and valid scientific insights into their function, challenges, and impact within organizations. Such research can inform strategies, policies, and best practices, fostering a more robust framework for data protection. One example of research is the study on DPO job satisfaction, which I initiated in collaboration with various partners. This study provides a statistically sound insight into the factors that contribute to making a DPO a satisfied and effective professional. The research remains a central focus during my co-curatorship at CPDP.ai, which I undertake alongside Jolien G. and various other partners. Together, we strive to create a platform that unites scientific partners, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and explore the multifaceted role of the DPO. The DPO-track on CPDP.ai is designed to elevate dialogue, share insights, and build a collective understanding of the challenges and contributions associated with this pivotal position.
It is essential to incorporate data protection into educational programs to prepare professionals who regularly handle personal data in their daily work. This includes roles such as ICT specialists, marketers, healthcare personnel, and many others. Educating these key stakeholders ensures they are equipped to manage personal data responsibly and ethically, strengthening data protection practices and supporting the role of the DPO. Throughout my 25-year tenure as a lecturer at Thomas More-hogeschool , I have emphasized the importance of integrating data protection into the curriculum for ICT professionals. By doing so, I contribute to cultivating a workforce that understands and upholds data security, creating an environment where DPOs are supported by well-informed colleagues. We must consider making this approach a structural component in all relevant programs across educational institutions to ensure comprehensive and consistent training in data protection.
Raising awareness about the importance of the DPO’s role among top management is crucial for embedding data protection into the core strategy of an organization. Leadership's understanding and prioritization of data protection not only support DPOs but also set the tone for a culture that values and upholds privacy standards. The Privacy Professional of the Year Award from the Belgian Cyber Security Coalition plays a significant role in this context by highlighting and rewarding excellence, thereby enhancing awareness of data protection at the executive level.
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I have the privilege of serving as the DPO for the CoZo platform, a key player in the exchange of health data in Belgium. In this critical environment, data protection is paramount, making it easier as DPO to gain the support and commitment of board members and stakeholders. This support enables me to focus on addressing essential concerns, such as effective communication with data subjects, and ensures that data protection remains at the forefront of operational priorities.
Building strong relationships between DPOs and regulatory authorities is essential for promoting effective data protection and ensuring compliance. According to findings from my own research, which I previously mentioned, DPOs themselves clearly express the need for solid communication with supervisory authorities. Such contact significantly impacts their job satisfaction, serving as a critical element in their professional well-being. Authorities can act as a reflective partner, allowing DPOs to test their judgment, ensure their approach aligns with regulatory expectations, and confirm they are placing the right emphasis in their work.
In my role at a regulatory body, I recognize the value and importance of maintaining open and constructive contact with DPOs. This interaction is beneficial for both parties, fostering better understanding and practical implementation of data protection principles. This is why I actively participate in and support initiatives that bring these two key actors together to share knowledge and insights. Such engagements strengthen mutual trust and promote a cohesive approach to data protection that benefits all involved stakeholders.
A united DPO community is essential for fostering knowledge exchange, enhancing professional development, and creating a supportive network where best practices can be shared and improved. Collaboration between stakeholders, including industry associations, academic bodies, and DPO networks, is crucial for building a cohesive field that promotes continuous learning and professional resilience.
In 2016, DPI initiated Privacy Cafés in both French and Dutch to provide a platform for DPOs to come together, exchange knowledge, and build intercollegial connections. Today, we organize five sessions annually in both languages, reaching approximately 350 DPOs per year. These interactions are considered a key factor in improving job satisfaction among DPOs, as they facilitate mutual support, shared problem-solving, and professional reflection.
Ensuring that the programs of different initiatives are well-coordinated and aligned is vital. This alignment helps DPOs access a comprehensive, sustainable framework for interprofessional engagement, reinforcing their capacity to handle the complexities of their roles. Good coordination between these initiatives contributes to the collaborative experience, strengthening the DPO community and its ability to support its members effectively.
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