Public Sector: Info commissioner to target students

The regulatory office dealing with data protection and freedom of information is holding an annual campaign to raise awareness within the student community of the risks of failing to protect personal data. It will also promote good practice with regard to personal data and remind students of their information rights.

ICO external comms manager Helena Szehidewicz said: 'People are giving out a lot of personal information and signing up to various clubs. The campaign is to remind students of the dangers.'

The brief reads: 'The campaign will involve planning and organising the recruitment of 15 student brand ambassadors from 15 different universities or higher education colleges around the UK.'

The brief is worth between £10,000 and £30,000, and has been issued on the Business Link website. The brief, which has a 24 June deadline for submission of bids, reveals the contract will be awarded to the agency with the lowest fees.

The students recruited must be capable of committing to nine days of promotional work within the first two terms of the 2011-2012 academic year.

The ambassadors will be used to raise awareness of information rights among fellow students through 'relevant channels', while also promoting ways in which students can protect their personal information.

Last year's campaign was handled by student marketing specialist agency Campus Group.

The ICO is a non-departmental public body that reports directly to Parliament and is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.