Data Protection in the Public Sector:
How to Balance Compliance & Innovation

During this strategic information session, organised in collaboration with Microsoft and Escala, you will discover how public sector organisations can effectively address data protection challenges while fully complying with the latest VTC guidelines.

For many public authorities — such as cities and municipalities, public social welfare centres (OCMWs), police and fire zones, hospitals, and others — it is not always clear whether they are fully compliant with the applicable regulations. Although the VTC has issued a clear position (see VTC implementation letter), this still raises many practical questions, particularly for organisations working with Microsoft 365.

How can you remain VTC-compliant without sacrificing efficiency or user experience? 
During this session, you will learn how public organisations can organise data protection and cybersecurity in a secure and efficient way — fully aligned with VTC guidelines and NIS2 — without compromising on ease of use for employees.

After this information session, you will have clear insights into: 
✅The current state of information security and privacy in the public sector.
✅How GDPR, VTC guidelines, NIS2, and the AI Act interact.
✅How innovative technologies (such as Microsoft 365 integrations) support both compliance and usability.
✅Solution architectures that combine legal requirements with an optimal user experience.
✅A real-life case from Heist-op-den-Berg demonstrating how regulations can be applied in practice using the right technology and integration with existing systems.
✅The official security building blocks of the Flemish Government and how they can be practically implemented in public organisations. 
✅Why now is the right momentum to adopt cloud innovations, ensuring future readiness and avoiding strategic lag.

✅Data Protection Officers (DPOs) or individuals responsible for information security and data protection in the context of GDPR and VTC guidelines.
✅Management responsible for cybersecurity and digital resilience, with a focus on NIS2 compliance.
✅IT managers or department heads responsible for cybersecurity, digital resilience, NIS2 compliance, and the technical aspects of GDPR and VTC guidelines.
✅Professionals working within public sector organisations, including:

• Municipalities and cities
• Intermunicipal organisations
• Utility companies
• Public social welfare centres (OCMWs) and social services
• Police and fire zones

Insight into the latest developments regarding VTC guidelines, privacy, cybersecurity, and NIS2.
✅Impact of recent VTC guidelines 
✅Schrems II ruling and EDPB guidelines
✅EU–US Data Privacy Framework
✅NIS2 and the AI Act

Guest Speaker: Ms Kris Proost, DPO / Information Security Advisor 

How innovative technologies remain compliant and user-friendly within Microsoft 365. 
✅Document management and Office Web Apps Server integration
✅Integration with back-office systems and government platforms

Guest Speaker: Mr Luc Deleu, Data-Driven Organisation Architect, Ometa 

✅ How source data is shared securely and without duplication between different stakeholders. 

Guest Speaker: Mr Dirk Van Loock, IT Manager, Municipality of Heist-op-den-Berg 

✅ Overview of official security building blocks
✅ Practical implementation within public organisation

Guest Speaker: Mr Peter Van Lier, Senior Programme Manager, Flemish Government 

Innovation enables tangible progress: 

✅ IT systems as the connecting link between people and processes: why innovation is essential for efficient, future-ready operations 
✅ How Microsoft innovations strengthen system performance and enable more impactful service delivery 

Guest Speaker: Mr Jo Wouters, Technology Strategist, Microsoft 

Following the session, you are invited to a networking reception with food and drinks, offering the opportunity to exchange experiences with peers, speakers, and technology partners. 

🕛Date & Time: Thursday, 2 April, from 09:00 to 14:00
📍Location: Microsoft Belux | Passport Building, Brussels National Airport 1K, 1930 Zaventem
🗣️Language: Dutch
🏢 Format: In-person 
💸Cost: Free of charge
📝Registration: Via the form below