Horizon Scanning by Slaughter and May

ICO enforcement trends

With the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) clear that it expects all organisations to learn from its previous enforcement actions, what lessons should organisations take from ICO GDPR enforcement over the last 18 months? In this episode Rebecca Cousin, Head of Data Privacy, Richard Jeens, Co-Head of Cyber, and Cindy Knott, Head of Data Privacy Knowledge,  discuss recent ICO enforcement trends, areas of ICO focus and related lessons for companies, and share their views on what this all means for future enforcement.

If you are interested in finding more Slaughter and May tech and digital content, you can subscribe to our digital blog, The Lens and our Digital Horizon Scanning series . Additionally, subscribe to our Horizon Scanning podcast show to be kept up to date when new episodes or series become available.

Horizon Scanning 2026 Launch Series - Crisis Management

Explore changes in enforcement trends and insights on how businesses can get ready for a more assertive 2026 in this episode of our 2026 launch series. Join Simon Nicholls and Gayathri Kamalanathan as they explore the theme of Crisis Management and cover:

• The FCA’s enforcement strategy and what it means
• Key areas of FCA focus
• Updates to the FCA’s Enforcement Guide
• The SFO’s new tools and assertive approach
• Practical steps prepare for a more assertive regulatory environment

Explore our Crisis Management written insights here.

Horizon Scanning 2026 Launch Series - Digital

Unpack what 2026 holds for organisations navigating the digital space in this episode of our Horizon Scanning 2026 launch series with Simon Nicholls and Laura Houston. They cover:

• The shifting landscape of digital regulation in the UK and EU
• How AI regulation is evolving across the EU, UK and US
• The significance of the EU’s Digital Omnibus and recent UK data reforms
• Practical actions to stay ahead of regulatory changes and uncertainty
• The opportunities and challenges presented by regulatory divergence

Explore our Digital written insights here.

Horizon Scanning 2026 Launch Series - Governance & Sustainability

Dive into the fast-evolving world of ESG regulation in this Governance and Sustainability launch episode of our Horizon Scanning 2026 series with Simon Nicholls and Richard Hilton. They cover:

• The key drivers behind the US’ backlash against ESG
• The impact of diverging US and EU/UK approaches
• The most significant upcoming legislative changes to look out for
• Practical steps for companies to ensure compliance and minimise risk

Explore our Governance & Sustainability written insights here.

Horizon Scanning 2026 Launch Series - Energy Transition

Discover the shifting landscape of the global energy transition in 2026 with Simon Nicholls and Oly Moir. This Horizon Scanning 2026 launch series episode on Energy Transition covers:

• The shifting geopolitical landscape and its impact
• Key headwinds facing renewables
• The critical role of government intervention and innovative investment structures
• The “nuclear renaissance” and its growing importance
• How AI and digital infrastructure are reshaping power sector priorities

Explore our Energy Transition written insights here.

Horizon Scanning 2026 Launch Series - Capital Flows

Explore the forces shaping global investment and private equity in this episode with Simon Nicholls and Aleezeh Liaqat, as they kick off the Horizon Scanning series for 2026. They cover:

• Strategic responses to geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility
• Key trends in private equity dealmaking
• Insights into sector resilience
• The evolving landscape of exits
• Predictions for 2026

Explore our Capital Flows written insights here.

Employment Rights Act 2025

Clare Fletcher and Philippa O'Malley sit down to discuss the government's roadmap for implementing the Employment Rights Act, giving you a steer on what your immediate priorities should be and what to look out for on the horizon. 

Key Developments in UK and EU Consumer Protection

In this episode of the Digital Horizon Scanning podcast, experts from Slaughter and May’s Competition team explore major developments in consumer protection across the UK and Europe. The discussion highlights:

• Recent UK consumer protection reforms and new enforcement actions by the CMA.
• Focus on issues like drip pricing, pressure selling, and fake reviews.
• Upcoming changes in EU consumer protection, including the proposed Digital Fairness Act.