UK Data Protection law is changing

The Role of a DPO varies by jurisdiction.  In the EU and United Kingdom a Data Protection Officer must:

✔ Monitor Compliance: Ensure the organization complies with GDPR, UK GDPR, and other applicable laws.

✔ Advise on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Guide teams on when and how to conduct DPIAs for high-risk processing activities.

✔ Act as a Contact Point for Regulators: Serve as the primary contact for Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) and facilitate any required audits.

✔ Handle Data Subject Requests: Support the organization in responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and other individual rights under GDPR

✔ Raise Awareness & Provide Training: Ensure employees understand data protection policies, best practices, and legal obligations.

✔ Oversee Data Breaches & Incident Response: Guide the organization in assessing, reporting, and mitigating personal data breaches.   

 Under the UK GDPR, appointing a DPO is required if your organization:
• Processes large amounts of sensitive data (e.g., health, financial, or criminal records)

• Engages in systematic monitoring of individuals (e.g. tracking, profiling, AI-driven analytics)

• Is a public authority or body

Many other countries also have similar requirements for Data Protection Officers.

Under Article 37(5) of the GDPR a Data Protection Officer must be 'designated on the basis of professional qualities and expert knowledge of data protection law and practices'.  Our Data Protection Officers have worked as DPOs and Privacy Counsel at some of the world biggest companies and largest international law firms. Many have backgrounds working directly in Data Protection Authorities, such as the UK Information Commissioner’s Office.  Unqualified DPOs or DPOs without adequate experience may not meet the GDPR criteria for appointment.

Experienced Consultants and familiar faces.  Our  team holds world class privacy qualifications like CIPP/E, CIPP/M and BCS(ISEB) complemented with skills in auditing, law, and records management.  They have years of experience as privacy counsel and sometimes even as Regulators.

Flexible Engagement. We are here for you, whether you prefer remote or on-site support. We understand that every organization’s requirements are different. We tailor bespoke solutions just for you.  

Seamless integration. Our DPOs are real team members working at the heart of your business not faceless consultants. You will soon think of us as part of the Family.

We offer both Legal Services and experienced consultancy.  We can also provide you with External Data Protection Officers and fractional Data Privacy and AI Counsel. Find out more here.

Privacy Partnership Law works with small and medium-sized businesses across a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. We have experience working with startups as well as established businesses. We also have specialist practices in a number of areas which you can read about here.

Our consultants  have been advising on data protection and AI compliance since well before the mergence of generative AI.  We advise on all compliance issues at the cross section of AI and data protection as well as on broader AI issues and AI governance.  Find out more about our AI Services here.