New Assistant Commissioner for Scotland

New Assistant Commissioner for Scotland

The UK Information Commissioner has appointed a new Assistant Commissioner for Scotland who will be based in Edinburgh.

Ken Macdonald joined the Information Commissioner’s Office on 31 August, 2005, and will be responsible for promoting and advising on matters of data protection and informing current policy debates in Scotland. He will also play an important role in liaising with the Scottish Information Commissioner’s Office (which covers FOI for devolved matters in Scotland).

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Macdonald said: “I am looking forward to promoting the activities of the Information Commissioner in Scotland, particularly in the field of Data Protection, and also to developing a close and effective working relationship with the Scottish Commissioner over matters of common concern.”

The UK Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, said: “I am delighted that Ken has taken up the role as Assistant Commissioner for Scotland and look forward to working closely with him. Although Scotland has its own Scottish Information Commissioner who deals with access to Information held by devolved public authorities, our office deals with a range of UK-wide legislation which helps to protect personal information and promote public access to official information. Ken will play a vital role in helping to promote these rights in Scotland.”

Mr Macdonald is a graduate in economics from Edinburgh University and has a PhD from Aberdeen University. He has worked in the field of economic development in the public and private sectors for more than 20 years, and most recently led the economic services team at Clackmannanshire Council, where he specialised in European regional policy.