Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent future data breaches.

DWP takes data protection and all data breaches extremely seriously. The Department demands a high standard from any of its appointed agents. It is also standard practice to undertake tailored awareness sessions for colleagues on data protection and data breaches.

Our Security and Data Protection Team works closely with commercial colleagues to ensure that the relevant security and data protection clauses are contained in all contracts. In addition, DWP has Supplier Assurance Teams that undertake regular pre and post contract checks on suppliers to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the terms of the contract. The Department regularly undertakes trend analysis and lessons learnt exercises on data breaches if they do occur. Recommendations are implemented and communicated to all relevant parties.