Standards body BSI British Standards has invited the public to submit their comments on a new draft standard designed to help firms comply with the Data Protection Act.

The DPC BS 10012, which was devised by a group of experts from academia, government and industry, applies to any organisation which holds the personal information of living individuals.

The standard is expected to be published in June this year and once in place will help organisations put in place a framework to help manage personal information in compliance with the Data Protection Act, according to BSI.

Gordon Wanless, chairman of the DPC BS 10012 Drafting Panel and chairman of the Data Protection Forum, said the standard is the first of its kind, and is expected to be used extensively in the public and private sector.

"Data protection has been the focus of much public attention over the last year and this standard will help organisations demonstrate that they are handling personal information responsibly," he said.

"To ensure it is fit for purpose, it is extremely important that we receive comments on the draft standard, from both companies and individuals and I would encourage anyone with an interest to express their views.”

The public review period for DPC BS 10012 closes on 31 March 2009.