GDPR consultant

Read more about a GDPR consultant’s work with the practical implementation of the data protection regulation.

Explained – what does a GDPR consultant do?

A GDPR consultant is a specialist who helps organisations put GDPR into practice and secure ongoing compliance. Unlike a GDPR lawyer, who primarily provides legal advice, the consultant typically works close to the business and drives concrete delivery. The scope ranges from establishing records of processing activities to conducting data protection impact assessments (DPIA) and training staff.

The role appears across sectors where personal data are processed extensively, for example health and social care, banking and finance, and e-commerce.

When is a GDPR consultant appropriate?

A GDPR consultant is engaged when an organisation needs hands-on support to meet the requirements of the data protection regulation. This can involve building structure for the compliance function, leading internal delivery, or ensuring that technical and organisational measures are implemented. The need is particularly acute during major business change or ahead of inspections by the Data Protection Agency.

Illustration of a GDPR consultant advising a client on data protection compliance, with a laptop, padlock and checkmark symbols representing privacy policies, security measures and GDPR accountability.

Points to consider when engaging a GDPR consultant

When appointing a GDPR consultant there are several critical factors to ensure the work delivers maximum impact.

  • Verify documented experience in both GDPR and project delivery (gdpr consulting / gdpr consultant services).
  • Clarify the distinction between the consultant’s remit and any lawyers’ roles to avoid overlap.
  • Establish a clear project plan (project plan gdpr) with measurable objectives for the compliance work.
  • Embed internal resources to ensure long-term stewardship and a sustainable gdpr compliance programme.
  • Run regular follow-ups and gdpr compliance reporting to the executive team.
  • Ensure the consultant can deliver data protection training, including gdpr training and gdpr awareness training for staff.

Focusing on these points reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps the organisation reach the desired level of compliance.

Frequently asked questions about GDPR consultants

A GDPR consultant works hands-on to implement and follow up the compliance programme, whereas a GDPR lawyer primarily provides legal advice by joining projects, answering specific questions or drafting certain documents.

Engage a GDPR consultant when the organisation needs to execute concrete change to meet GDPR requirements, for example when introducing new systems or processes that handle personal data (processing of personal data).

A GDPR consultant often works in a project model and can lead several workstreams, such as:

  • Inventories and mapping of processing activities (data processing inventory / records of processing activities / register of processing activities)
  • Development of data protection documentation, policies and procedures for data protection
  • Delivery of data protection impact assessments (DPIA) and establishing a robust dpia process
  • Staff training (staff training gdpr) and ongoing refreshers

Clear separation ensures the right capability is engaged at the right time. The lawyer is optimal where the organisation has internal delivery capacity; the consultant is optimal for larger, complex programmes or where in-house resources are insufficient to turn advice into practice.

Strong knowledge of GDPR, proven project leadership and a solid grasp of business processes. In some cases, technical expertise in information security and technical measures gdpr is valuable.

Morling Consulting provides experienced GDPR consultants who can run delivery, train staff and guide the organisation to compliance with GDPR. This includes initial implementation and continuous improvement of controls, documentation and technical and organisational measures, including dpia.

Contact us

If you prefer phone, please feel free to contact Felix Morling at +46 70 444 42 85

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