WHAT IS A DATA PROTECTION OFFICER (DPO)?

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that an organization appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under certain conditions. Ultimately, the DPO is a data security expert responsible for overseeing the protection of personal information and GDPR compliance in an organization.

The DPO is an integral part of an organization's data protection program, and requires a candidate that can fulfill several important criteria, such as the ability to perform job duties independently, remain free from any conflicts of interest, and posess expert knowledge of data protection laws and practices. The selection of a DPO should be conducted with the utmost care.

HOW CAN PROJECT CONSULTING GROUP HELP?

Contact PCG today at 800-731-7153

 to discuss your GDPR needs and objectives

WHEN IS IT REQUIRED TO HAVE A DPO?

Regardless if your company meets the definition of requiring a DPO, we recommend that many of our clients appoint a DPO in order to better align with best practices and strive to "future-proof" their data protection posture as more regulations are expected to come into effect in the near future, around the globe.

GDPR requires a
DPO under the 
following scenarios:

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PCG offers an experienced and affordable Outsourced DPO Program. 


We work with you to develop a holistic approach to data protection that balances business, technical, compliance and operational needs. Our experts are trained in data protection, security, and know GDPR requirements. 
We bring leadership needed to effectively communicate data protection principles to all key stakeholders. 

  • Subject Matter Expert

    Must be knowledgeable on data governance, data management, data protection and risk management in relation to data privacy.

  • Cultural Leader

    Must facilitate a culture of data protection throughout the company and build enterprise wide compliance.

  • Accessible

    Must be available to react to changing demands and meet data privacy and data protection needs as they arise.

  • Free From Conflict

    Must be free from any conflicts of interest within the organization that would interfere with ability to perform DPO duties.

PCG partners with each client to create a tailored approach to meet their DPO needs. 
Contact us today to explore what a customized approach may look like for your organization.  
 

  • Determine DPO Needs

    Our skilled business analysts perform a rapid current-state assessment of your organization and determine DPO requirements and GDPR applicability.

  • Develop DPO Service Plan

    A service plan is then custom built with client input to deliver exactly the level of service required for data protection success.

  • Execute Customized Plan

    The custom designed DPO service plan is then implemented, and one of our expert DPOs and support staff begin delivering invaluable data protection and data privacy services.

  • If your company is a public authority (e.g. government agency/utility company)
  • If your company engages in systematic monitoring (e.g. location, behavioral, loyalty programs)
  • If your company processes sensitive personal information on a large scale
      Note: Certain EU member states have more stringent provisions around the assignment of a DPO.  

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GET DIRECTIONS
  • Inform & Advise

    Coach the organization and the employees who carry out personal information processing of their GDPR obligations.

  • Monitor Compliance

    Track compliance gaps and manage associated risks. Prioritize remediation activities including awareness campaigns, training, and implementations.

  • Oversee DPIAs

    Provide advice where requested regarding data protection impact assessments and monitor performance.

  • Regulator Engagement

    Act as the point of contact for the supervisory authority as needed.

  • Subject Matter Expert

    Must be knowledgeable on data governance, data management, data protection and risk management in relation to data privacy.

  • Cultural Leader

    Must facilitate a culture of data protection throughout the company and build enterprise wide compliance.

  • Accessible

    Must be available to react to changing demands and meet data privacy and data protection needs as they arise.

  • Free From Conflict

    Must be free from any conflicts of interest within the organization that would interfere with ability to perform DPO duties.

  • Determine DPO Needs

    Our skilled business analysts perform a rapid current-state assessment of your organization and determine DPO requirements and GDPR applicability.

  • Develop DPO Service Plan

    A service plan is then custom built with client input to deliver exactly the level of service required for data protection success.

  • Execute Customized Plan

    The custom designed DPO service plan is then implemented, and one of our expert DPOs and support staff begin delivering invaluable data protection and data privacy services.

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Minneapolis, MN 55403

  • Subject Matter Expert

    Must be knowledgeable on data governance, data management, data protection and data privacy risk management.

  • Cultural Leader

    Must facilitate a culture of data protection throughout the company and build enterprise wide compliance.

  • Accessible

    Must be available to react to changing demands and meet data privacy and data protection needs as they arise.

  • Free From Conflict

    Must be free from any conflicts of interest within the organization that would interfere with ability to perform DPO duties.

Ideal Qualities of a DPO

  • Inform & Advise

    Coach the organization and the employees who carry out personal information processing of their GDPR obligations.

  • Monitor Compliance

    Track compliance gaps and manage associated risks. Prioritize remediation activities including awareness campaigns, training, and implementations.

  • Oversee DPIAs

    Provide advice where requested regarding data protection impact assessments and monitor performance.

  • Regulator Engagement

    Act as the point of contact for the supervisory authority as needed.

Significant DPO Activities

Assign Current Employee

Organizations may elect to assign an individual already on staff to the role of DPO, or may delegate the tasks to a committee. Most organizations do not have individuals that can meet DPO requirements.

Hire External Candidate

Some organizations choose to hire an external data protection and privacy expert as a full-time employee. Due to costs and competition for talent this is often a daunting approach.

Outsource To Third Party

Many organizations outsource DPO responsibilities to a third party when they lack the internal capacity or subject matter expertise to address the role.

GDPR allows organizations to fulfill the role through one of three approaches:  

HOW CAN YOU FULFILL THE DPO REQUIREMENT?

GDPR allows organizations to fulfill the role through one of three approaches:  

GDPR requires a DPO under the following scenarios:

HOW CAN PROJECT CONSULTING GROUP HELP?

We work with you to develop a holistic approach to data protection that balances business, technical, compliance and operational needs. Our experts are trained in data protection, security, and know GDPR requirements.
 
We bring leadership needed to effectively communicate data protection principles to all key stakeholders. 

PCG offers an experienced and affordable Outsourced DPO Program. 

CALL NOW

800-731-7153

  • Inform & Advise

    Coach the organization and the employees who carry out personal information processing of their GDPR obligations.

  • Monitor Compliance

    Track compliance gaps and manage associated risks. Prioritize remediation activities including awareness campaigns, training, and implementations.

  • Oversee DPIAs

    Provide advice where requested regarding data protection impact assessments and monitor performance.

  • Regulator Engagement

    Act as the point of contact for the supervisory authority as needed.

Project Consulting Group

800-731-7153

Project Consulting Group

WHAT IS A DPO?Call Us Now

EXPERTISE • CONSULTING • SERVICES • SOLUTIONS

Data Protection Officer (DPO) Outsourcing

The European Union's (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires many companies to identify a Data Protection Officer (DPO), even those not established within the EU.

PCG has been providing data protection and privacy leadership services for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table.

    

Contact us today to receive your complimentary discovery session 


Provide Top Talent

PCG employs subject matter experts and leaders across all areas of data protection and privacy.

Deliver Tailored Approaches

Every organization has unique challenges and demands that require flexible service offerings.

PCG solutions balance people, processes and tools to help drive change and stakeholder alignment.

Drive Organizational Change

HOW CAN PCG HELP?

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY SESSION INCLUDES:

Dedicated time with a PCG Data Protection and Privacy Expert

A review of your DPO and GDPR current-state and desired future-state

A roadmap outlining your goals and strategies

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY SESSION INCLUDES:

REQUEST MY DISCOVERY SESSION

OR

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