A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a key compliance role required under the UK GDPR for organisations that process large volumes of personal or sensitive data. The DPO ensures that all data-handling activities meet legal and ethical standards, acting as both an advisor and a compliance monitor.
Responsibilities include:
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Monitoring compliance with data protection law
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Advising on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
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Serving as the contact point for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
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Training staff and promoting data protection awareness
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Overseeing responses to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and breach reports
Having a DPO demonstrates accountability, supports regulatory confidence, and reduces the risk of costly breaches or enforcement action.
