On 30th September 2026, the Information Commissioner's Office formally became the Information Commission under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The Commission is now run by a Board rather than a single Commissioner, but it will still be known as the ICO.
We present an article written by our Featured Guest Expert Ralph T O'Brien for our school and multi academy trust customers about the Data Use and Access Act where he breaks down what the latest legislative changes mean for the education sector.
What is this? A new law that came into force on 29 April 2026. It changes how schools, councils, health services and police work together to keep children safe. Several parts of it directly affect how schools handle children's information. Data Protection is now embedded within Safeguarding practice.
The Data (Use and Access) Act is already law and It received Royal Assent on June 19, 2025. While it is legally an Act of Parliament, its various provisions are being "commenced" (brought into legal effect) in a phased approach that will continue throughout 2026.
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