In a Nutshell with John Gillies of Clark IT
Category: Blog
By Janice
21/03/2016
Main Focus of the Business
Provide IT Managed Services, Cloud Solutions and Cyber Security and Compliance Solutions
What do you do now?
Business Development and Channel Manager – My main goal is to collaborate with other companies to benefit customers. Especially around compliance.
What was your very first job?
My first job was as a scientific trainee at the Dounreay nuclear plant in Caithness. I spent two years on 6 month placements around the site, getting to know chemistry, spectroscopy, metallurgy and radiation monitoring.
What was your very first job?
My first job was as a scientific trainee at the Dounreay nuclear plant in Caithness. I spent two years on 6 month placements around the site, getting to know chemistry, spectroscopy, metallurgy and radiation monitoring.
How did you get into IT?
I started working for a fledgling company called BT Internet in 1996, when it had 307 customers! I left to come to Aberdeen in 2001 when it had 7.8 million!
Interesting fact about You?
I once sang the Song, Never Tear Us apart with INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence
Favourite Place?
Switzerland – Life changing scale of scenery + fabulous transport and gastronomy
Dream Car?
Audi S8 Plus – in midnight Blue
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Erwin Rommel – I’d like to find out how he maintained his ethics in the face of a dreadful regime.
Current Aspirations for the business?
To help clients understand how compliance and information can equal success
'What are the main issues you are addressing currently'
We are currently dealing with an increasing workload around the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR). This new legal framework replaces the current data protection act and will be enforceable from May 25th.
The main differences are the way organisations have to manage the processing of personal data.
Clark has spent 18 months developing a framework and partner driven strategy for compliance. We have already taken several organisations through to both Accreditation and improved compliance utilising this approach.
Our framework covers these major pillars:-
- Organisational commitment – Preparation and compliance must be cross-organisational, starting with a commitment at board level. There needs to be a culture of transparency and accountability as to how you use personal data – recognising that the public has a right to know what’s happening with their information.
- Understand the information you have – document the details of the personal data you hold, where it came from and who you share it with. This will involve reviewing your contracts with third party processors to ensure they’re fit for GDPR.
- Implement accountability measures – including appointing a data protection officer if necessary, considering lawful bases, reviewing privacy notices, designing and testing a data breach incident procedure that works for you and thinking about what new projects in the coming year could need a Data Protection Impact Assessment.
- Ensure appropriate security – you’ll need continual rigour in identifying and taking appropriate steps to address security vulnerabilities and cyber risks
- Train Staff – Staff are your best defence and greatest potential weakness – regular and refresher training is a must
To be featured or find out more:
- e-mail us on support@companyconnecting.com
- or contact Janice on Linkedin
"In a Nutshell with John Gillies of Clark IT" First published on www.companyconnecting.com December 2016
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