How can a DPO support your organisation?
Advice on privacy matters
A DPO works alongside your organisation on privacy matters and provides independent advice. This is particularly important, for example, when purchasing a new system or starting a new project involving the processing of personal data. The earlier a DPO is involved, the better. This allows privacy risks to be identified and addressed at an early stage, preventing you from having to redesign processes or systems later on. Your organisation always remains responsible for the final decisions, but a DPO helps you make those decisions based on well-reasoned advice.
Monitor privacy in practice
In addition to providing advice, a DPO also has a monitoring role. The DPO assesses whether your organisation not only has policies and procedures in place but also follows them in practice. Are processes working as intended? Are risks being managed effectively? And does your organisation comply with the requirements of the GDPR? The DPO records the findings in a report for the board.
The report outlines what is going well and where improvements are needed. This gives your organisation insight into its current situation and allows you to address any risks directly.
A dedicated sparring partner
A DPO also acts as a sparring partner for the board, management and employees. You can turn to the DPO with any privacy-related questions. For example, you can discuss how best to take privacy into account when making changes within your organisation. Because the DPO is independent, they can provide a critical perspective and offer advice without making the decisions themselves. It is helpful for a DPO to be involved with your organisation over a longer period of time. This allows the DPO to get to know your organisation, its processes and employees well and provide more specific advice.
More than a legal requirement
A DPO is mandatory for organisations such as public authorities and certain organisations that process special categories of personal data on a large scale. But even if this does not apply to your organisation, appointing a DPO can still be a valuable addition. They take a critical look at your organisation and identify where your privacy policy can be improved.
Would you like to know how a DPO can support your organisation by providing advice, monitoring privacy practices and acting as a sparring partner? Feel free to contact us.
