Relevance of GDPR Representative for UK Businesses in 2023

Why GDPR Consultancy Matters More Than Ever to UK Businesses in 2023

Think that Brexit marked the end of your EU GDPR requirements? In our new blog, we explain why now, more than ever, it pays to have expert GDPR services on your side.

When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) arrived in a blaze of publicity in 2018, the UK was still effectively part of its founding institution, the EU. We may have voted to leave, but until the details were hammered out, we remained bound by this regulation as much as any other.

At 11pm on 31 January 2020, however, the UK did leave the EU and, if you haven’t spent much time considering data privacy since, you might have assumed that the UK’s connection with GDPR stopped at that point.

It didn’t.

In fact, as the UK positions itself as the global hub of safe AI, data protection is arguably as relevant now as it has ever been, and that relevance is only likely to increase. For organisations that haven’t revisited their data protection policies recently, there are big implications – which means that having a partner who understands what’s changing and how it affects you really matters.

That’s why, in this post, we’ll explore why the role of the EU GDPR consultant is more relevant than ever.

GDPR: the story so far

The GDPR sets out strict guidelines for data protection, privacy, and security. Post-Brexit, the UK has implemented its own version of the GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, which (for the time being at least) largely replicates the provisions of its EU counterpart – although more on that below.

For any UK business collecting, processing or storing the data of EU residents, however, it’s the EU GDPR that still applies, meaning that it isn’t simply enough to be on top of UK data compliance measures; you need to be compliant with EU law too.

Specialist GDPR consultants have in-depth knowledge of the regulations (in the EU and UK), helping businesses interpret and implement their requirements effectively. By working with GDPR consultancy services, UK businesses can ensure they adhere to the necessary compliance measures.

Yet basic compliance is just one of the ways in which a GDPR rep can benefit your business. Here are four more: 

1.Tailored compliance strategies

Every business has unique data processing practices, which is why complying with the GDPR requires customized solutions. Making an EU GDPR rep part of your team enables you to tap into the knowledge of someone who specializes in tailoring compliance strategies to the specific needs of the UK business. Your EU GDPR representative will conduct thorough audits, identify potential risks, and develop robust data protection frameworks aligned with the GDPR’s principles. This personalized approach will enable your business to enhance its data protection practices while mitigating the risks of non-compliance.

2. Expert guidance on data subject rights

Under the GDPR, individuals have enhanced rights concerning their personal data. EU residents have the right to access, amend and delete their data. Yet when a data subject exercises their rights, not enough businesses are prepared to handle their request.

An EU GDPR consultant can provide expert guidance to UK businesses on implementing processes and mechanisms to address these rights. By working with an EU GDPR representative, businesses can ensure they handle data subjects’ rights appropriately, minimizing the risk of legal challenges and reputational damage.

3. Mitigating data breach risks

Perhaps the most immediate argument for the relevancy of GDPR consultancy services is the risk of financial penalties for getting data privacy wrong. 2023 has seen the largest individual fine ($1.3 billion) handed out to Meta. While that figure is an extreme, many more modestly sized and resourced companies have been hit with fines of €1 million+.

GDPR consultancy services help UK businesses establish robust security measures and incident response plans to mitigate data breach risks. GDPR reps conduct comprehensive risk assessments, implement encryption and anonymisation techniques, and help organisations understand breach notification obligations.

Such measures not only help organizations reduce the risk of breach; they also ensure that, should a breach occur, the financial and reputational fallout is limited.

4. Staying ahead of evolving regulations

Data protection regulations are constantly evolving and businesses must stay up to date to remain compliant. Over the next few years, we are likely to see UK data protection laws diverge from the EU GDPR. Those organisations that have, to date, been working on the basis that their existing EU-centric GDPR policies and processes will cover all compliance requirements everywhere will need to think again.

By partnering with an EU GDPR consultant, UK businesses can access the expert insight and support to develop policy in line with shifting legislation.  By taking a proactive approach, they can not only avoid penalties but also maintain a competitive edge in the evolving data protection landscape.

Appoint your GDPR EU representative

The issue of data privacy isn’t going away. If anything it’s only just getting started. By leveraging the expertise of an EU GDPR consultant, your business can navigate the complex regulatory landscape, develop tailored compliance strategies, and mitigate data breach risks.

Find the right EU GDPR consultant for you now, get data protection advice or, for questions about your next steps, call +441772 217800.