Appointing a Data Protection Officer
A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a designated person responsible for overseeing your data protection strategy and compliance. Some organisations must appoint one; others choose to.
This is general guidance on whether you need a DPO and what they do.
When You Must Appoint One
- You are a public authority.
- Your core activities involve large-scale, regular monitoring of people.
- Your core activities involve large-scale processing of special category or criminal data.
What a DPO Does
A DPO advises on obligations, monitors compliance, acts as the contact point for the ICO and individuals, and provides independent oversight. They must be free from conflicts of interest.
If You Do Not Need One
You can still assign clear responsibility for data protection to a capable person or use an external adviser. Just avoid calling them a DPO if the formal role does not apply, to prevent confusion about the legal status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a DPO be outsourced?
Yes. Many organisations use an external DPO service, which can be cost-effective and avoids internal conflicts of interest.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.