Westminster eForum

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This timely conference is bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers to examine key issues for the retail mobile and broadband market.

It takes place with Ofcom’s work programme for 2020/21 including plans to protect consumers, enhance services and adapt regulation - and with the planned Consumer Protection White Paper expected to be published later this year.

Of course we expect much of the discussion on the day to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the industry looks ahead to consider which changes in customer habits and priorities that emerged during the crisis are likely to remain embedded - and what they mean for services, the nature of demand, and the shape of the market going forward.

Key areas for discussion:

• Policy and regulatory priorities for the retail mobile and broadband sector
• The retail telecoms market of the future: what does a competitive and innovative sector - that delivers for consumers and remains attractive to investors - look like, and how to get there
• Designing infrastructure and service delivery to meet customer need, and to react to changing behaviour and business requirements
• Removing barriers to switching, better informing consumers, encouraging price transparency and reducing loyalty penalties - including case study from the retail energy sector
• Learning from how the services provided to consumers and businesses adapted in the response to COVID-19 - and what support will be needed into the future for the industry and its customers.

The agenda:

• Consumer protection, regulation and telecoms services - with Rich Sullivan-Jones, Audit Manager, Regulation, Consumers and Competition, National Audit Office
• Pricing, switching, and broadband and mobile consumers - with Jane Rumble, Director, Consumer Policy, Ofcom
• Case study: strategies for protecting the interests of consumers in the retail energy market - with Mary Starks, Executive Director, Consumers and Markets, Ofgem
• Consumer protection in mobile and broadband - key steps for policy - with Melissa Giordano, Deputy Director, Telecoms Policy and Legislation, DCMS
• A market that serves consumers: design and delivery of new infrastructure and services, increasing choice and reducing switching barriers, and responsive support for customers - including in light of the COVID-19 crisis - a panel with Uswitch, Sky, BT, Mobile UK, and Citizens advice
• Supporting a vibrant retail sector into the future - innovation in service delivery, driving competition, attracting investment, and preparing for the Copper Switch Off - a panel with Pinsent Masons, the Communications Consumer Panel, CityFibre, Virgin Media, and Ombudsman Services

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• Growing focus on policy and regulation in the area of consumer protection and empowerment;

• Plans to develop 5G and fibre infrastructure further outlined in Ofcom’s annual report;
• The Wholesale Telecoms Market Review prioritising the provision of choice, value and quality - and encouraging network competition - in meeting growing demand for future broadband services;
• The Smart Data Review - which focuses on how data portability can be used to improve consumer experiences;
• Prospects for setting up a new independent consumer advocacy body;
• Ofcom’s response to stakeholder comments on its fairness framework for UK telecoms providers which sets out the regulator’s approach to assessing whether consumers are getting a good deal;
• Changes to the European regulatory framework - which underpins the regulation of the UK’s telecoms sector, aimed at securing a high level of consumer protection; and
• A package of measures that have been agreed between the DCMS and major fixed and mobile providers which seek to support consumers working for the NHS and using its services.

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

This one looks no different. Places have been reserved by officials from DCMS; Ofcom; the Competition and Markets Authority; HMRC; the National Audit Office; the Department for International Trade; and The Scottish Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will consider key priorities and next steps for online regulation in the UK.

Key areas for discussion:

• Key proposals contained in the Online Harms White Paper, and the Government’s initial response - issues including:
  
  • the way forward for designing and implementing codes of conduct
  • a statutory duty of care for online platforms
  • options for regulatory and enforcement powers
  • the future of the duty of care principle in legislation, in light of reports on concerns that recent proposals from the Culture Secretary to introduce pre-legislative scrutiny of draft laws before a Bill is presented to Parliament could lead to a softening of measures
• Priorities for implementation of the ICO’s age appropriate design code
• Preventing access to harmful and illegal content online for children and young people - next steps for policy, regulation and industry practice
• What should an online media literacy strategy look like, following government commitments in its response to the Cairncross Review
• Tackling harmful and illegal online content, including child sexual abuse imagery, extremist content and disinformation - looking at:
  
  • improving detection, reporting and takedown
  • further developing collaboration between government, regulators and the industry
• The recent spread of online misinformation and disinformation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of countermeasures put in place so far by online platforms
• Best practice in privacy and fair and ethical uses of data, in the context of recent concerns around video conferencing apps

• With a new independent report published by the Government showing the UK as world leader in online safety innovation with a 25% global market share, what are the priorities for supporting the continued development and growth of the UK online safety tech sector

Why this is relevant now - the context:

The conference takes place with a range of developments in regulation and policy:

• the Government minded to name Ofcom as the regulator responsible for the internet and online platforms following its consultation on the Online Harms White Paper
• planned introduction of the Digital Services Tax
• Government’s response to the Cairncross Review - including taking forward proposals to create codes of conduct governing relationships between news publishers and online platforms
• the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s report on online targeting
• warnings from The Internet Watch Foundation that there has been an 89% reduction in the number of abuse websites being taken offline during the COVID-19 lockdown
• findings from Ofcom’s latest Children and parents: media use and attitudes report, that over half of 12-15 year olds had reported encountering hateful content online in the past 12 months
• recent launch of The Online Safety Tech Industry Association, which brings together the tech industry and internet safety organisations to increase awareness of online safety technologies
• new measures announced by the Government - including funding to support law enforcement to target paedophiles operating on the dark web

The agenda:

• Key priorities and challenges for upcoming Online Harms legislation
• Identifying and tackling the key issues in the online space and assessing the industry’s response so far
• Latest trends in online activity by children and young people, the threats they face and the response
• The future approach to the regulation of the internet in the UK - assessing the design, implementation and potential effectiveness of codes of practice, and the statutory duty of care on online platforms
• Taking forward the measures in the Online Harms White Paper - next steps for regulation

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the APPG for Children's Media and the Arts, and officials from DCMS; BEIS; Ofcom; the Cabinet Office; the Home Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Education; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; DHSC; the DWP; the Food Standards Agency; GCHQ; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; the Intellectual Property Office; the National Audit Office; the National Crime Agency and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will consider the way forward for policy and practice in the use of biometric data by government, and the private and public sector in the UK.

As well as bringing out latest commercial thinking and development, this conference will be an opportunity to share views with a wide range of officials from government and regulation who are examining the future of policy in this area, and who have reserved places.

Key areas for discussion:

• Oversight and regulatory frameworks for biometric technologies in the UK private and public sectors - as well as enforcement and next steps for policy;
• Latest thinking on commercial opportunities across sectors including transport, finance, security and authentication, and marketing - and the regulatory implications;
• Investment and R&D into biometric technologies in the UK, as well as developing and supporting the UK sector to take advantage of global market growth;
• Legal and ethical issues, looking at data processing and protection - and the question of biases in facial recognition and other biometric technology; and
• Developments in supporting cyber security, and tackling fraud and identity theft, as well as the potential consequences of cyber security breaches involving biometric data.

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• Live facial recognition (LFR) technology figuring in current legal action, and in investigations and regulatory reviews by the Biometrics Commissioner and the ICO;
• Recent reports that the European Commission is considering a ban of up to five years on the use of facial recognition technology in public places;
• The recent announcement by the Metropolitan Police that it is beginning operational use of LFR in London; and
• The Home Office’s Biometrics Strategy and its Biometrics Programme.

The agenda:

• Developing governance for the use of new biometric technologies by government, the public sector and law enforcement;
• Addressing ethical and practical concerns around biometrics and digital identity - privacy, security and transparency;
• Case study: deploying facial recognition technology to improve passenger experience and efficiency in an airport setting; and
• Developing the UK’s commercial biometrics sector - R&D and investment, ethics and winning public trust

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s particularly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Attorney General's Office; the Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the CMA; the Crown Prosecution Service; the DCMS; the Department for Transport; the Department of Health & Social Care; the Government Office for Science; HM Passport Office; HMPPS; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; Home Office; the Information Commissioner's Office; MHCLG; Ministry of Defence; the Ministry of Justice; the National Audit Office and UKRI.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will consider the way forward for developing and investing in fibre network infrastructure in the UK.

Key areas for discussion:

• Key proposals and measures being considered in the consultation on Ofcom’s Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review;
• The potential impact of Ofcom’s proposed approach on encouraging network competition in areas where it is considered economically viable;
• Proposed levels of charge controls relating to wholesale network access for retail broadband providers in different geographical areas;
• The Review’s proposals to continue to require BT to provide unrestricted access to its network of ducts and poles for competitors seeking to build their own networks;
• What more is needed from policymakers and regulators to achieve greater geographical coverage for broadband and fibre networks;
• Key proposals contained in the two proposed bills - the Telecommunications (Connectivity) Bill and the Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill;
• The role of public funding in achieving an increased pace of rollout of high-speed networks in the UK; and
• The proposed new planning obligations for housing developers to include the infrastructure to support gigabit-capable connections in new developments

Background and developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• The open consultation on Ofcom’s Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review for 2021-26;
• The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Leasehold Property) Bill currently before Parliament, as well as further legislation aiming to ‘accelerate the delivery of gigabit capable broadband’ announced in the Queen’s Speech at the start of this year;
• Government spending commitments including £5bn in funding to support the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband;
• The recent announcement by Openreach that it will be extending its build programme for fibre networks to include a further 250,000 homes and businesses in rural areas;
• The National Infrastructure Strategy, expected to be published later this year; and
• The recent announcement of the Shared Rural Network programme to extend mobile and wireless connectivity to partial and total ‘not-spots’ in rural areas in the UK.

The agenda:

• Competition and regulation in future network rollout - key aims of the Market Review;
• ‘Next Steps for High Quality Digital Infrastructure’;
• Developing fibre and gigabit-capable networks in the UK - incentivising investment, infrastructure access and achieving greater competition;
• Addressing the challenges of achieving widespread high-speed network coverage - latest thinking from Scotland;
• The way forward for addressing consumer priorities in broadband infrastructure - pricing, reliability and widening coverage; and
• The Government’s key priorities for the UK’s digital infrastructure - investment, coverage obligations and new legislation.

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stake holders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by officials from BDUK; DCMS; Ofcom; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; MHCLG; ; the National Audit Office; Crown Commercial Service;  the Department for International Trade; the Geospatial Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; the National Crime Agency; the Valuation Office Agency; The Scottish Government and the Welsh Government. 

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will consider key issues for the development of smart cities and connected places in the UK - and next steps for local and municipal authorities, central government and regulators, and the private sector.

Key areas for discussion:

• Infrastructure development to support the development of smart cities in the UK - including telecoms and mobility networks, and addressing planning issues;
• Data handling, treatment, storage and utilisation - and applications for a number of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in a smart-city context;
• Delivery of key local services such as waste management, water treatment, healthcare and energy;
• The role of smart city services meeting the challenge of climate change and tackling other environmental concerns such as air quality and noise pollution;
• Fostering wider engagement with citizens and other key stakeholders in the design and implementation of digitised services;
• Development of local technology economies, including creating the conditions for innovative start-ups and scale-ups, including attracting inward investment;
• The ways in which people, technology, and data can be combined to enable innovative approaches to the COVID-19 crisis, and the implications this has on the future development of smart cities.

The agenda:

• Innovation in the delivery of public services in urban environments;
• Smart cities and the impact of 5G
  
  • 5G rollout across the UK - outcomes from the testbeds programme and next steps for rollout;
  • ‘5G and the future of transport: taking smart city services to the next level of connectivity… beyond the autonomous horse’
• Priorities for developing the key standards and infrastructure to support the implementation of smart cities in the UK:
  
  • ‘Connectivity challenges and opportunities in rural areas’;
  • The smart built environment - the way forward for planning, architecture, and construction;
  • Data infrastructure for urban areas - standardisation, integration, and utilisation; and
• Connected places in the UK - tackling the key challenges and examining the future landscape;
• Legal and regulatory issues - the implications for smart cities;
• Latest thinking on applications and use cases for innovative digital technologies in the smart city setting - connectivity, integration, and IoT devices

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

It takes place with:

• The Government’s announcement of £5bn in funding to support the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband across the UK;
• The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech;
• The GovTech Catalyst Challenge and Nesta’s ongoing Flying High Challenge on developing use cases for drones in urban environments; and
• The Government’s consultation last year on regulatory proposals for the security of consumer IoT devices, as well as the overall National Cyber Security Strategy for 2016-21.

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from BEIS; Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Crown Commercial Service; DAATM; DCMS; Defra; the Department for International Trade; Department for the Economy NI; the Department for Transport; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; Home Office; Homes England; the Information Commissioner's Office; MHCLG; the Ministry of Defence; the National Crime Agency; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the Office of Rail and Road; UKRI and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***

This conference will consider the future development of digital payments in the UK.

Key areas for discussion:

Innovation, competition and the payments market

• UK payments architecture and infrastructure - designing and implementing the New Payments Architecture, and implications for large retail banks and potential new market entrants;
• New consumer-facing payment services - and the role of third-party payment providers, such as Account Information Service Providers (AISPs) and Payment Information Service Providers (PISPs);
• Open banking - its impact research and development, innovation in consumer-facing financial management and banking applications, competition, and practical consumer benefits;
• The FCA’s Regulatory Sandbox programme - progress in driving innovation, and further steps that the regulator might take in this area;
• Wider market dynamics - how developments in regulation and standards are impacting competition and the position of large-scale retail banks; and
• Start-ups and SMEs in the UK’s payments and fintech sector - what more action might be needed from policymakers and regulators, including promoting increased investment.

Security

• The Confirmation of Payee system - its introduction and the way forward for wider rollout;
• Developing and implementing greater levels of security and stronger payments authentication in the UK - and the impact on the speed, convenience, and security of online payments;
• Detection and prevention of payments fraud in the UK - next steps, taking into account the implementation of SCA requirements and the Confirmation of Payee system.

Inclusivity and support for consumers

• The future development of a cashless society - and ensuring that groups of consumers are not disenfranchised by the development and rollout of new digital payment services; and
• Assisting consumers in managing debt and personal finances - the potential for new digital payments services and money-management tools.

The COVID-19 epidemic

• We also expect discussion on what has been learned from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with findings in last year’s independent Access to Cash Review that more than 8m UK adults would struggle to cope in a cashless society.

Developments that are relevant to the discussion:

• The Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and the supplementary Regulatory Technical Standards having come into effect;
• Strong Customer Authentication - the FCA’s announcement of a phased implementation;
• New Payments Architecture (NPA) - the recent Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) call for input on the proposed NPA for interbank payments, emphasising innovation and competition;
• The Confirmation of Payee system - PSR not taking any formal action against banks who have not implemented system before the end of June 2020 as a result of COVID-19 related disruption.

The agenda:

• New Payments Architecture - designing and implementing the UK’s future system for interbank payments;
• Payments in the cashless society - what is needed to ensure that the growth in digital payment services does not disenfranchise cash-dependent consumers?;
• Regulatory priorities for the UK’s payments sector;
• Consumer priorities and the development of digital payment services - competition and choice, security and authentication, and inclusivity;
• The impact of the ongoing implementation of Open Banking standards on competition and
  innovation in payment services;
• Next steps for policy, regulation and industry in driving continued innovation in the UK’s payments sector; and
• Assessing the UK’s emerging payments landscape and responding to the key challenges facing the sector.

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders.

It’s certainly the case with this one. Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the CMA; HM Treasury; HMRC; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation;  Treasury Legal Advisers; the Welsh Revenue Authority and the Department for International Trade.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

This conference will consider key issues for immersive technologies in the UK - with discussion expected on:

• Potential uses;
• Regulatory and policy priorities; and
• Next steps for investment and research.

Delegates will discuss how immersive tech is being used, and the impact it is set to have across a wide spectrum of sectors ranging across:

• High-value manufacturing and engineering - including aerospace, automotive and other areas of transport;
• Video games, film and television;
• Architecture, construction and planning;
• Computer-aided design and three-dimensional modelling;
• Healthcare, including surgery and psychological therapies; and
• The emergency services, health and safety, and the military.

The agenda also looks at potential ethical and legal issues arising from its widespread adoption, including:

• Data protection and regulatory compliance, such as issues around lawful processing bases for personal and special category data;
• Health and safety issues for users of immersive tech;
• Liability and insurance issues resulting from potential misuse or harm caused by these technologies;
• Intellectual property rights for content created in real time; and
• Content regulation of advertisements and entertainment served by immersive technologies.

It takes place in the context of:

• Digital Catapult’s programme of work in immersive tech, including initiatives such as CreativeXR and the Immersive Labs;
• £33m of investment in immersive tech under the UKRI Audience of the Future Challenge; and
• The ongoing work taking place as part of the Creative Industries Sector Deal, including further government investment in virtual and augmented reality technologies and the video games sector.

Speakers

There will be keynote addresses from:

• Dr Jeremy Silver, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Catapult;
• Graham Mold, Head of Growth Capital, Frontier Development Capital; and
• Tara Reddy, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, LoveShark.

Further speakers include:

• Andrew Bravin, Associate, Technology Group, Sheridans;
• Andrew Cormack, Chief Regulatory Adviser, Jisc;
• Simon Fletcher, Chief Technology Officer, Real Wireless and Co-Chair, International Working Group, UK5G Innovation Network;
• Jason Hawthorne, Founding Director and Chief Digital Officer, VU.CITY;
• Professor Roy Kalawsky, Director, Advanced VR Research Centre, Loughborough University; and
• Sol Rogers, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, REWIND and Chair, Advisory Board, ImmerseUK.

The agenda

• Assessing the potential of immersive technologies - case studies on:
  
  • The impact of virtual reality in the broadcasting sector; and
  • Applying immersive technologies in high-value manufacturing.
• Investing in the UK’s immersive tech sector - engagement, business development and access to finance;
• Next steps for developing immersive technologies in the UK - developing a range of use cases across the wider economy;
• Assessing ethical and regulatory implications - data protection, safety, and liability;
• AR technologies in the video games sector - case study; and
• Future development of the UK’s immersive tech sector

Engagement with policy officials at this conference

This Westminster eForum conference has attracted strong interest from policymakers. It will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials who have reserved places representing: BEIS; Cabinet Office; Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; DCMS; Defra; DfT; DIT; the European Space Agency; the Government Equalities Office; HMRC; Home Office; MoD and the Office for Artificial Intelligence.

This conference focuses on the future for sharing and portability of consumer data - as well as priorities for supporting both data-driven innovation and the protection of consumers and their data.

Areas for discussion include:

• The Smart Data Review - which seeks to shift greater control over personal data to individuals - with the Government considering the response to the public consultation on its plans;
• Ofcom developing detailed proposals on an ‘Open Communications’ initiative - which would require communications businesses to provide consumer data to third party providers at the consumer’s request, as recommended by the Smart Data Review;
• The CMA calls - as part of its update on tackling the loyalty penalty - for the Government to bring forward its Consumer White Paper;
• ICO consultation on the draft Data Sharing Code of Practice - which focuses on changes to data protection legislation where these changes are relevant to data sharing; and
• The future of cross border sharing of consumer data as the UK prepares for its future trading relationship with the EU and beyond.

Speakers

There will be keynote addresses from:

• Tim Jarvis, Director, Consumer and Competition Policy, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy;
• Imran Gulamhuseinwala, Trustee, Open Banking Implementation Entity; and

Further confirmed speakers include: Sue Daley, techUK; Chris Gorst, Nesta; Philip James, Sheridans; Laurie Laybourn-Langton, IPPR; Carlo Nebuloni, AXA UK and Ireland and Richard Neudegg, uSwitch.

The agenda

• The Smart Data Review - key proposals and next steps;
• Addressing the ‘loyalty penalty’ in consumer markets;
• Enabling data-driven innovation in consumer markets - opportunities, safeguards, and using data and technology to help vulnerable consumers;
• Case study: enabling innovation in data-driven services for consumers through the development of Open Banking standards;
• Data portability and transfers between online platforms - standards, collaboration, and consent; and
• Data sharing and digital and online markets - regulation, competition, and ensuring consumers and their data are protected.

Engagement with policy officials at this conference

This Westminster eForum conference has attracted particularly strong interest from policymakers. It will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials who have reserved places representing: BEIS; the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; CMA; DCMS; DfE; DfT; DIT; HMRC; Home Office; ICO; MoJ; Ofcom, OGD and the Welsh Government.

This seminar focused on the way forward for the development of the UK’s data economy.

Areas for discussion included:

• Latest on the development of the National Data Strategy and what is needed from policy and the sector itself to support organisations in utilising data to drive growth;
• Broadening access to public sector data for the private sector, including SMEs;
• Increasing public involvement and trust in the use and treatment of their data;
• Improving public services and the way data is gathered, exchanged, and used across government - and in the private and third sectors; and
• Next steps for the UK’s data infrastructure.

Delegates discussed priorities for developing the UK’s wider data economy and delivering improvements in the UK’s data infrastructure - including what further support might be needed from policymakers and central government.

There was further discussion on utilising data to drive wider economic growth and to stimulate increased business productivity. Delegates looked at the way forward for overcoming some of the key barriers - including skills requirements and the development and sharing of cross-sectoral expertise and best practice.

Further sessions focused on the next steps for developing increased digitisation and utilisation of data across the UK economy and a range of public services.

The seminar followed the publication of the Challenges in using data across government report by the National Audit Office, which set out a number of recommendations on improving the handling and use of data across government departments and the treatment of data as a strategic asset.

Also taking place in the context of the GovTech Catalyst programme, delegates considered the way forward for supporting data-driven innovation in services and their delivery - including improvements in quality and reliability, efficiency, and cost savings.

Further sessions looked at latest developments in private-sector innovation in data handling and delivery of data-driven public services. Delegates examined options for improving partnerships and collaboration between government and others in the public sector, as well as businesses, charities, and other stakeholder groups, to promote continued innovation and technological development.

They also assessed key lessons learnt in the private sector and across the wider economy in developing data handling best practice - and their applicability in government departments and public sector bodies.

The agenda also looked at the way forward for increasing public trust in the use of data by Government and across the wider economy. Delegates examined key ethical questions around the handling of personal and identifying data, including data privacy, cyber security and data protection, and profiling.

Discussion also took place on the way forward for guarding against the use of poor-quality or incomplete data in making policy decisions - including the effect on individuals and societal groups, with the NAO’s report highlighting the case of the handling of the Windrush situation.

Further sessions looked at improving data handling practices within government departments and agencies, and other public sector bodies. Discussion took place on key issues being discussed for the National Data Strategy in the areas of data standardisation and transfers between departments, improving the quality of data collected and held in government databases, and resourcing for the implementation of best practice in data handling across government.

This conference examines next steps for developing data protection regulation in the UK.

Speakers

There will be keynote addresses from Steve Wood, Executive Director - Regulatory Strategy, Information Commissioner’s Office and Harry Lee, Deputy Director, Domestic Data Protection Policy, DCMS - as well as from Chris Combemale, Chief Executive Officer, Data & Marketing Association.

Further confirmed speakers include: Ruth Boardman, Bird & Bird; Professor Douwe Korff, London Metropolitan University; Dyann Heward Mills, HewardMills; Dawn Monaghan, NHSX; Linda NiChualladh, Citi; Zoe Rowland, Cancer Research UK and Mark Thompson, KPMG.

The chairs are Charles Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, Partner, Michelmores and Rt Hon the Lord McNally

The agenda

• The impact of GDPR in the UK since its implementation;
• Developing best practice in data handling across the wider economy - lawful processing bases, subject access requests, and breach reporting;
• Assessing the future outlook for data protection in the UK:
  
  • Developing and implementing sector-specific data protection codes of conduct; and
  • Options for UK alignment with EU data protection regulation after Brexit.
• Next steps for UK data protection policy; and
• The ICO’s future regulatory approach.

Engagement with policy officials at this conference

This Westminster eForum conference has attracted particularly strong interest from policymakers. It will be an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with officials who have reserved places representing: BEIS; Cabinet Office; Competition and Markets Authority; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; Office for AI; Government Digital Service; DCMS; Defra; Department for Education; Department for International Trade; Department for Transport; DHSC; DWP; Food Standards Agency; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Government Legal Department; Government Office for Science; HM Revenue & Customs; Home Office; MHCLG; Ministry of Justice; National Audit Office; National Crime Agency; Ofcom; Office for National Statistics; The Scottish Government and the UK Visas and Immigration.