Direct Marketing Commission - Enforcing Higher Industry Standards

Emma Martins has been named as the new Chief Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the independent body that oversees and enforces the Data & Marketing (DMA) Code.

Led by the Chief Commissioner, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by DMA members. The team of commissioners work to ensure responsible and ethical marketing practices are maintained.

Commenting on her appointment, Emma Martins, the new Chief Commissioner of the DMC said: “Over the past 25 years, I have been a strong advocate of ethical data handling, transparency and accountability, so I am delighted to represent an organisation which embodies these values.  I am honoured to lead the DMC into the next stage of its evolution where we continue to work towards becoming an ICO accredited monitoring body, tasked with upholding a GDPR Code of Conduct, which, when approved, will offer more direction to the industry on best practice and resources to support consumer complaints. Ultimately, we are all striving to improve trust in the industry and build a better experience for the customer.”

Emma Martins is an experienced data protection and governance professional, having worked in the regulatory environment for over 25 years. She has been the Data Protection Commissioner at the Office of Data Protection Authority, Bailiwick of Guernsey since 2018. Prior to that, she was Information Commissioner for the Channel Islands between 2012–2018. She was the Data Protection Commissioner of Jersey between 2005–2012.

This appointment comes as Amerdeep Somal steps down as Chief Commissioner after four years with the DMC.

The DMC Board put on record their appreciation of  Amerdeep Somal’s achievements, saying “We are incredibly grateful for Amerdeep’s dedication, hard work, and guidance throughout a challenging period for our industry and the UK. It is testament to her expertise and leadership qualities that the DMC has gone from strength to strength. The Board is delighted  to welcome Emma Martins as the new Chief Commissioner. Her vast knowledge and experience as a data protection commissioner will be invaluable to the DMC as its remit and responsibilities continue to grow.”

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“In general, members are aware of the key message – to put the customer first, and we know that
consumers are alert to the fact that their data really matters and they understand the importance of their
privacy.”

Comments by Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, following the publication of the Data & Marketing Commission’s (DMC) 2022-23 Annual Report.

Full details on the complaints, investigations, and more thoughts from the DMC’s Commissioners are available in the full Annual Report here.

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Data & Marketing Commission announces new Independent Commissioner

Kate Staples has been named as the new Independent Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the DMA Code. 

Led by the Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioners’ Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code.

The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.  

The team of Commissioners work to ensure responsible marketing and ethical marketing practices are maintained.

Amerdeep Somal said:

 “I am delighted to welcome Kate to the DMC and the wealth of experience she will bring to the Commission will be of huge importance and benefit at this pivotal stage in our evolution, as we become an independent monitoring body.”

DMC’s new Independent Commissioner  

Kate Staples, an experienced NED and former General Counsel and Secretary to the Civil Aviation Authority, who is due to start her tenure on 1^st March 2023 said:

“I am very pleased to be joining Amerdeep and the team at the DMC. It’s an exciting time for the DMC and DMA and I look forward to making a valuable contribution.”

For further information contact:

Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

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Steve Wood has been named as the new Independent Appeals Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the DMA Code. 

When the DMC concludes that a member is in breach of the DMA Code, a member can appeal against the ruling, or any sanctions imposed.  The Independent Appeals Commissioner will be expected to consider an appeal when lodged by a member company of the DMA or in future by a signatory organisation to the GDPR Code or by a complainant which has had complaints upheld by the DMC.

Steve, whose tenure will commence on 1^st January 2023, is an Independent consultant, researcher & writer who has his own company, PrivacyX Consulting and was former Deputy Commissioner at the Information Commissioner’s Office.  He will be replacing the DMC’s long-standing Appeals Commissioner, John Bridgeman CBE TD DL who is retiring this year.

Led by the Chief Commissioner, Ms Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioner’s Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code.

The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.  

Amerdeep Somal stated, “I am delighted to welcome Steve Wood as the new Independent Appeals Commissioner. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in his crucial role as the independent Appeal function against decisions made by the DMC. I also sincerely thank John Bridgeman CBE TD DL for his many years of service as the first Independent Appeals Commissioner and I am grateful for his wonderful work legacy.”

For further information contact:

Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

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Richard Thompson has been named as the new Independent Complaints Assessor of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the DMA Code. 

The Independent Complaints Assessor can consider complaints about the standard of service provided by the DMC.  This covers the practical handling of a case – but not disagreements about its outcome.  There is a separate service for appealing case rulings and sanctions.

Richard is an Executive Director responsible for leading strategic approach and operational delivery of high-volume casework, quality assurance and customer excellence.  He is an accredited commercial mediator with 25 years’ experience in regulation, complaint handling and dispute resolution.  His tenure will commence on 1^st January 2023.

Led by the Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioner’s Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code.

The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.  

Amerdeep Somal stated, “I am delighted to welcome Richard Thompson as the first Independent Complaints Assessor to the DMC. He will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and challenge to the DMC.”

For further information contact:

Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

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Location: London

Approximately 7-10 days p/a

Salary: £5,250 p/a plus reasonable expenses

Closing Date: 1^st December 2022

The Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) is the body which oversees and enforces the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)’s Code.  The Code and DMC are there to give effective protection to recipients, users and practitioners of the data driven marketing sector. It aims to ensure companies observe the highest standards of integrity and trade fairly with their customers and with each other.  This is achieved by investigating complaints and identifying trends in data driven marketing that might raise issues for consumers and the sector. The DMA are looking to appoint a new Independent Commissioner as the current incumbent’s term is due to expire.  The term would be for three years, renewable once. 

Historically the DMC has adjudicated against complaints about DMA members only but it is now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioners’ Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code of Conduct. The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.  

The Independent Commissioner will need to have experience in a senior strategic role within regulation or governance, and to have a broad understanding of regulatory principles, process and practice.  As a key player in the ongoing development of the new DMC as a Monitoring Body, the Independent Commissioner will need to show demonstrable experience of strategy development, strategic planning, risk and high-performance management, with the ability to scrutinise and monitor at a senior level. It would be desirable for the candidate to have experience in or have the ability to interrogate annual budgets and the ongoing financial management of the DMC.

Duties

The Independent Commissioner will be expected to attend a minimum of four meetings a year held at the DMA’s offices, attend adjudications, and review and process case and other paperwork relating to these meetings as well as assist in the ongoing development of the new DMC.

The Independent Commissioner will also be expected to represent the DMC at DMA meetings and other events and meetings as required.

Qualities

• Sound judgement and analytical skills
• Ability to digest and make good sense of complex cases
• Able to scrutinise and monitor at a senior level
• Ability to understand the legal context in which an adjudication is required
• Ability to work and debate effectively
• To adjudicate, acting objectively

For a full Job Description and how to apply please email dm@dmcommission.com.

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Robert Bond and Gilbert Hill have been named as the two new Industry Commissioners of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the DMA Code. 

Led by the Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming an Independent Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioners’ Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code.

The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.  

The team of Commissioners work to ensure responsible marketing and ethical marketing practices are maintained.

Amerdeep Somal stated “I am delighted to welcome Robert and Gilbert to the DMC and the wealth of experience each will bring to the organisation.  I would like to thank Fedelma Good and Charles Ping, our Industry Commissioners, who will shortly be leaving us, having served their terms.  The insight and wisdom they have brought to the DMC has been of immense importance and benefit.”

DMC’s new Industry Commissioners  

Robert Bond, a Solicitor & Notary Public and a Compliance & Ethics Professional who is due to start his tenure on 1^st September said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as an Industry Commissioner. I will do my best to emulate the high standards set by Fedelma Good and Charles Ping.”

Gilbert, a privacy technologist, speaker and entrepreneur, currently Chief Strategy Officer at Pool Data and commencing his tenure on 1^st December this year said:

“In a time of unprecedented change and opportunity in our industry, the DMC is a highly respected arbiter of responsible marketing and I look forward to helping expand its influence and remit in the  role of Industry Commissioner.”

For further information contact:

Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

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George Kidd, Chief Commissioner:

We are pleased to confirm the DMC will be supporting the ASA in relation to complaints relating to data use and particularly any issues around the legitimate interest grounds that can be referenced under GDPR.  The DMC has years of experience in dealing with issues of data supply chains and the consents or other grounds that will give them the possibility of consulting the DMC as an advisory panel.  This strengthens the self-regulatory arrangements that complement the ICO by helping address consumer concerns quickly and ensure high compliance.

https://www.asa.org.uk/transparency/who-we-are-and-what-we-do.html

(Information on the partnership under Organisations with Whom We Work in Partnership)

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