Navigating Privacy Risk in Procurement – Legal Insights from Thomas Barrett

Join us for an exclusive CIPS event featuring the insights of Thomas Barrett, one of the UK’s leading Data Protection and Privacy Barristers, and a judge of the 1st Tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber). Thomas will delve into the critical intersection of data protection, privacy law and it’s importance in procurement. 

With the increasing complexity of regulatory frameworks (e.g. GDPR), procurement professionals must understand their legal obligations when handling supplier and customer data, as well as the regulatory requirements needed to impose on third-parties and how to monitor/ audit them. This engaging session will provide real-world insights, practical examples and actionable guidance to help align procurement strategies. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a leading legal expert, network with peers, and enhance your understanding of how privacy regulations impact supplier relationships, contract negotiations and compliance efforts in todays globally interconnected digital landscape. 

The event aims to equip procurement professionals with a deeper understanding of data protection and privacy laws, focusing on their practical application in procurement processes. Attendees will gain insights into key compliance challenges, learn how to mitigate legal risks, and enhance their ability to safeguard sensitive data within their supply chains. 

If you have any queries please contact branchevents@cips.org

EVENT VENUE:

Reception Foyer, Weightmans LLP, The Hallmark Building, 105 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5JG 

Nearest train stations:
Fenchurch Street - 2 minutes
Aldgate - 4 minutes

Light refreshments will be provided

EVENT SPEAKER

Thomas Barrett

Partner - Data Protection and Privacy, CyXcel/ Weightmans LLP

15+ years experience at the cutting edge of data protection from providing cross-government expert legal advice, to leading on international negotiations, privacy-by-design, compliance, ICO engagement, training, international transfer regimes, DPO support, breach reporting, Subject Access handling, enforcement and infractions. 

From being responsible for designing, drafting and legislating for the first monetary penalty notice regime and appeals system under the DPA 1998 (as implementing the DP Directive 95/46). All the way through to being lead lawyer and negotiator for the ‘world first’ UK-US Data Access Agreement as well as being the HOLA Co-Ordinating Lawyer for the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (1&2) with a particular focus on reforms to the UK DP system including those relating to law enforcement processing, Automated Decision Making and AI. 

Substantial experience in working in a fast-paced, high profile, demanding and tech focused environments both as a member of multi-skilled agile project teams as well as the leader of a network of subject area experts. Thomas has an established track record of dealing with the most complex data protection and privacy issues from the challenges of making archaic legacy systems compliant through to providing practical forward leaning advice in novel and untested circumstances such as the deployment of new technology (e.g. facial recognition) or establishing compliant methodologies for international co-operation spanning multiple borders and legal jurisdictions. Commercially and internationally aware, including by having closely worked with all the major ‘Big Tech’ firms to ensure the Data Access Agreement was commercially as well as politically viable.

Thomas has the honour having served as a member of several committees for my professional organisation, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn including their Governance Working Group, the Technology Programme Board, their Advisory Benchers committee, and their Audit and Risk Committee as well as being a founder member of the Equalities Diversity and Inclusion committee.