The PCC has held the latest in its series of training seminars for journalists. The evening event – attended by over 25 national newspaper journalists and lawyers – focussed on the issue of subterfuge: when and where it can be justified; and how its use is regulated by both clause 10 of the Code of Practice and the Data Protection Act.

The seminar was opened by Tim Toulmin, the PCC's Director. Mick Gorrill, from the Information Commissioner's Office, then addressed the audience on the ways in which the Data Protection Act can impact on journalists. For the second part of the evening, seminar participants examined a number of real-life cases that the Commission has dealt with and which set important precedents in this area. The Commission’s decisions on each case were subsequently revealed and explained by PCC Training Consultant Alison Hastings, herself a former Commissioner.

The PCC is committed to running training seminars on an ongoing basis. It is crucial that all journalists – whether experienced or not – remain as up-to-date as possible about the PCC’s latest decisions and its interpretation of the Code. The Commission is happy to offer refresher seminars to individual newspapers on request. For more information, please contact Tonia Milton on tonia.milton@pcc.org.uk or 020 7831 0022.