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Data Protection Officer (DPO) – Your external GDPR specialist
As a Data Protection Officer, I provide targeted advice and practical assistance to companies seeking to strengthen their data protection and ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
What is a Data Protection Officer?
A Data Protection Officer, abbreviated to DPO, is an independent advisor who monitors and provides guidance on the company’s processing of personal data. The DPO acts as a point of contact between the company, the data subjects and the Danish Data Protection Agency and is tasked with supporting and overseeing the organization’s compliance with data protection rules.
Raadgiver.dk offers the following services
- Monitoring GDPR compliance:
Ongoing assessment and advice on the company’s compliance with data protection regulations. - Data protection advice:
Guidance on obligations under the GDPR, including data processing agreements, risk assessments, and data protection impact assessments (DPIAs). - Point of contact for the Danish Data Protection Agency:
Handling of communication with the Danish Data Protection Agency and assistance with inspections or inquiries. - Training and awareness:
Educating employees on data protection and establishing internal policies and procedures. - Handling of personal data breaches:
Assistance in the event of security breaches, including assessment of risks and reporting to the Danish Data Protection Agency.
Benefits of choosing an external Data Protection Officer
By choosing me as an external DPO, your organization gains
- Specialized expertise:
Access to up-to-date knowledge on data protection legislation and best practices. - Objective assessment:
Independent advice free from internal conflicts of interest. - Flexibility:
Tailored solutions that match the size and specific needs of your organization. - Cost-effectiveness:
No need to hire a full-time employee for the role.
Example where Raadgiver.dk is appointed DPO
Five institutions – one joint Data Protection Officer
Five self-governing daycare institutions within the same municipality were facing similar challenges: a lack of time and resources to manage the DPO function internally, yet a clear need to ensure compliance with data protection rules.
Instead of each finding a solution, the institutions joined forces and contacted Raadgiver.dk to get a joint external DPO.
As external DPO for all five entities, Raadgiver.dk was tasked with:
- Establishing and maintaining shared procedures for the handling of personal data
- Conducting annual on-site compliance visits at each institution
- Performing risk assessments and assisting with data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Acting as the point of contact with the Danish Data Protection Agency on behalf of all five institutions
- Providing training and advisory support to management and staff
The solution proved to be both cost-effective and practical – while ensuring a high level of data protection across all five devices.
Why choose Raadgiver.dk as your Data Protection Officer?
Appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is not only a legal requirement for many businesses – it is an investment in security and compliance. At Raadgiver.dk, you gain access to an experienced business lawyer who ensures that your company complies with GDPR and protects personal data in a professional and efficient manner.
We offer a practical and strategic approach to data protection. This means that we not only ensure compliance but also assist in implementing processes that work in everyday operations. Our services cover everything from risk assessments and policies to employee training and communication with the Danish Data Protection Agency.
Frequently asked questions about data protection officers (DPO)
When is a company required to appoint a DPO?
A company must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) where required under the GDPR. This includes, among others, public authorities and organisations whose core activities involve large-scale, systematic monitoring of individuals or the large-scale processing of special categories of personal data.
Even where a company is not legally required to appoint a DPO, it may still be beneficial to designate an individual with responsibility for GDPR compliance and data protection. Doing so can help strengthen the organisation’s data protection framework, improve compliance efforts, and reduce the risk of non-compliance.
What does a DPO do in practice, and what are the GDPR requirements?
A Data Protection Officer (DPO) advises the organisation on GDPR compliance, monitors compliance with data protection legislation, and acts as a point of contact for both supervisory authorities and data subjects. The role typically includes advising on lawful bases for processing, data processing agreements, data protection impact assessments, information security, and the handling of data subject rights.
The GDPR requires that a DPO possesses the necessary expertise in data protection law and practice and is able to perform their duties independently. A DPO must not receive instructions regarding how their tasks are carried out and must not have any conflicts of interest that could compromise their advisory and supervisory role.
Can an external consultant act as a DPO, and how should GDPR compliance activities be documented?
Yes. A company may appoint an external consultant or advisory firm to act as its Data Protection Officer (DPO). This is a common solution, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that do not require a full-time in-house data protection officer.
A DPO should continuously document the organisation’s GDPR compliance efforts. This is typically achieved through records of processing activities, internal policies and procedures, risk assessments, data protection impact assessments, compliance reviews, employee training initiatives, and reporting to management. Maintaining adequate documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance with the GDPR and responding to inquiries from the relevant supervisory authority.
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