The Role of a Data Protection Officer
The role of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is to ensure data protection compliance and educate an organisation on data privacy.
A DPO is often hired by companies when they are dealing with large amounts of data or the data is particularly sensitive. The position was created in response to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure that companies were taking data privacy seriously.
What Are The DPO Tasks?
There are many tasks assigned to a DPO, to better help companies comply with data protection laws. These include:
- Monitor the company’s compliance with both GDPR and any other applicable data protection laws or regulations.
- Be the main point of contact for data protection authorities and customers if there are any queries or complaints regarding data privacy. This includes data subject access requests.
- Ensure that data subjects and controllers are aware of their data protection rights, obligations and responsibilities, such as the data protection rights of customers. This awareness is raised through training.
- Develop policies and procedures within the organisation.
- Keep records of data processing activities.
- Oversee security measures, such as encryption.
- Ensure that the organisation is following what is known as “privacy by design” principles or privacy-enhancing technologies. This means that all systems designed within the company are built with data protection in mind from the start, rather than as an afterthought.
- Advise whether data protection impact assessment (DIPA) is necessary. They must explain how to conduct one and state the expected outcomes.
- Serve as a contact point for the ICO on all data protection issues.
Is a Data Protection Officer Mandatory for Public Organisations?
Under the UK GDPR and Article 37 of the GDPR, every public body must appoint a DPO, unless they are a court acting in their judicial capacity.
As per the UK GDPR, companies must also hire a DPO if their core activities require:
- Large scale processing of special categories of data or data related to someone’s criminal offences or convictions.
- Large scale, systematic and regular monitoring of individuals, such as online behaviour tracking.
How The Data Protection Act Affects Businesses
The Data Protection Act (DPA) is the UK’s main data protection law and applies to all companies that process personal data. It sets out what companies must do when collecting, storing, transferring or using an individual’s personal information.
Organisations need to be aware of their obligations under the DPA and how it affects the way they handle data. It sets out what companies must do when collecting, storing, transferring or using an individual’s personal information.
To discover more about the DPA and how it affects your organisation, read our complete guide about data protection in business.
Why Choose Trust Hogen?
At Trust Hogen, our services go far further than a standard data protection officer.
We offer industry-leading data protection as a service, meaning that we will integrate ourselves into your company so that your data protection compliance becomes our top priority.
We have a team of veteran data privacy experts with years of experience in helping organisations comply with data protection laws. They will provide you with the expertise and guidance needed to help your business comply with data regulations, manage risk and be prepared for any new or upcoming changes in legislation.
At Trust Hogen, we can provide tailored training to make sure that everyone within your company knows what they are doing when it comes to processing data. We also provide regular assessments of your data protection practices and procedures to make sure that you remain compliant with the GDPR, DPA or any other applicable laws.
By choosing Trust Hogen for all your data protection needs, you can be sure that you are in safe hands. We will help protect your business and ensure that all of your data processing activities are compliant with the law.
So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and see how we can help your organisation protect against a world of ever-evolving online threats.