GDPR audit in practice – test your compliance before the Data Protection Agency does

Complying with the General Data Protection Regulation is an ongoing effort; a one-off project will not secure compliance indefinitely. For organisations processing personal data at scale, routines, systems and documentation must stand up to scrutiny over time. A GDPR audit is a practical way to test whether the organisation actually meets the law’s requirements – before the Data Protection Agency potentially knocks on the door. Below we outline how a GDPR audit works in practice, what it covers and what the business gains from it.

Why a review is needed

Data protection issues are high on the Data Protection Agency’s supervisory agenda – not least in relation to:

• AI and automated decision-making.
• Use of cloud services.
• Video surveillance (new legislation in 2025).
• Employee privacy in the workplace.

Businesses that delay securing their compliance risk administrative fines and reputational damage. An audit is therefore not just a legal control – it is an opportunity to calmly test your organisation against the GDPR’s requirements, identify gaps and remediate them before it becomes a live issue.

How a GDPR audit works

A professional GDPR audit is conducted in a structured and confidential manner, taking account of the organisation’s specific risks and circumstances. The process typically looks like this:

1. Initial scoping

We start by gathering relevant information on the organisation’s structure, personal data processing and system support. This takes place through document review as well as interviews and workshops with key stakeholders.

2. Assessment against the GDPR’s requirements

We analyse how the organisation’s actual ways of working and documentation align with the GDPR’s requirements – both at a high level and within specific processes. We pay particular attention to:

• Lawful bases for processing.
• Information obligations and transparency.
• Handling of data subjects’ rights.
• Data processing agreements with processors.
• Incident management and notification procedures.
• Transfers to third countries.
• Technical and organisational security measures.

3. Technical and organisational review

We collect information on how systems and processes operate in practice – not just on paper. This can include logging, access management, role-based access control and process flows.

4. Report and action plan

The results are compiled in a clear report that includes:

• Identified deficiencies.
• Risk assessment under the GDPR.
• Recommended remediation actions, prioritised by severity.
• Implementation support.

5. Presentation and follow-up

We review the results with relevant stakeholders and can, where needed, assist with implementation – for example updating routines, data processing agreements or internal policies.

What your business receives

After a review by one of our GDPR lawyers you will receive:

• A legally quality-assured report – suited to both management and operational owners.
• A concrete action plan – to underpin ongoing work.
• Documentation – evidencing that the company works systematically with data protection.

The GDPR audit as a stress test

Think of the audit as a stress test. By simulating the Data Protection Agency’s scrutiny in advance, you gain valuable insight into what works and what needs improvement. It gives you control, preparedness and assurance.

Many companies also use the audit to prepare for new systems or major changes – for example AI implementation or international expansion.

GDPR lawyers – practical expertise

At Morling Consulting, our GDPR lawyers help companies conduct practical audits with full focus on business needs. We combine legal expertise with an understanding of technology and organisation, and deliver concrete, prioritised actions – without getting stuck in theory.

Would you like to know more about how a GDPR audit could look in your organisation? We would be pleased to explain further.