Acting Information Commissioner appointed

Wednesday 07 February 2018

An Acting Information Commissioner has been appointed to fill the role vacated by the previous Commissioner, Emma Martins, who left her post last month amid plans for Jersey and Guernsey to go their separate ways.

Paul Vane, who has been Deputy Information Commissioner since 2004, has already started in his new role.

Mr Vane, who has also worked for the States of Jersey Police and the Jersey Financial Services Commission, said: “I am delighted to accept the role of Acting Information Commissioner. This is a time of great change for data protection as we respond to new European legislation and it is encouraging to see the commitment of Jersey’s government to respecting the rights of the individual through the passing of our own legislation."

Pictured: Emma Martins announced she was stepping down in November 2017.

“I would like to thank the previous Information Commissioner for her guidance and support during our time working together and I look forward to building on the strong foundations Emma put in place during her tenure," he added.

Senator Paul Routier, Assistant Chief Minister, commented: “I am very pleased to see Paul Vane in this new role. Ministers understand how critical it is for Jersey to have experienced staff in place to manage this increasingly important area of personal and business life.

“The States Assembly recognised the importance of data protection and privacy rights when Members unanimously approved new laws that will transform the Island’s approach to data protection by strengthening individuals’ rights, while also ensuring businesses remain competitive.”

Video: What you need to know about GDPR.

The new European Data Protection regime (GDPR) comes into effect in May 2018.