The Data Protection Commissioner is an independent public official appointed by the States of Guernsey to administer the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2001 that came into force in August 2002 and the Regulations that implement the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications that came into force in 2004.

Prior to May 2004 the Commissioner reported to the States via the Advisory and Finance Committee, thereafter he reports via the Home Department. Neither the Committee nor the Department is able to interfere politically in his work.

The Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that organisations which process personal data, both in the private and public sectors (Data Controllers) do so in accordance with the Law and that individuals (Data Subjects) are able to exercise their rights under the Law.

The present Commissioner, Dr. Peter Harris was appointed for a five year term of office commencing on 1 October 2001 and has been re-appointed for a further five years. He is assisted by Assistant Commissioner Anne Wiggins and his Personal Assistant Wendy Ozanne.

The website of the Data Protection Commissioner includes full details of the Law, the Regulations and the subordinate legislation, the Notification procedures that apply to Data Controllers and how to access the public Notification Register, Guidance Notes covering rights of individuals and the responsibilities of Data Controllers, information on how to make a complaint, links to other relevant websites and copies of all annual reports and publications. The information on the website is available via the links on the lefthand side of this page or by using the search facilities above.

The Data Protection Office is normally open from Monday to Friday from 08:30 - 12:30 and on most afternoons until 16:30.

Contact Details

Address: Data Protection Office, P.O. Box 642, Frances House, Sir William Place, St. Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 3JE, Channel Islands
Switchboard: +44 1481 742074
Facsimile: +44 1481 742077
E-Mail Contact : Click Here