The Evolving GDPR Landscape: Are You Prepared?

Six years on from its introduction, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) continues to significantly impact international business, shaping how organisations collect, process and store personal data.

Following Brexit, there are two versions of the Regulation: the EU GDPR and the UK GDPR, making the data protection landscape more nuanced. The UK GDPR supersedes the EU regulation within the UK and came into effect at the end of 2020. However, UK organisations that provide goods and services to, or monitor the activities of, EU residents must also comply with the EU GDPR. This applies to organisations outside the UK and EU too. For instance, a US organisation processing data from UK and EU citizens would need to comply with both versions.

While the EU GDPR and UK GDPR are almost identical, there are some variations concerning international data transfers.

Although the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDI Bill) was not enacted, the ongoing reformations in the UK, alongside developing laws in other countries, highlight the dynamic nature of data privacy regulations. Determining which version of the GDPR applies to your organisation can be complex.

Compliance is a continual process

GDPR compliance is not a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process requiring constant vigilance. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, operational restrictions and costly security breaches. Organisations must continually review their data protection systems and employee awareness programmes.

Investing in employee training is a demonstrably positive step. Equipping your workforce with GDPR and data protection officer (DPO) qualifications, such as those offered by IBITGQ, signifies strong data protection practices.

Why choose IBITGQ’s GDPR and DPO qualifications?

The GDPR requires organisations to demonstrate compliance. One way to achieve this is by employing certified professionals or upskilling staff with IBITGQ’s industry-leading GDPR qualifications.

IBITGQ’s Certified GDPR Foundation and Practitioner qualifications were pioneering in this field. Developed by data protection and privacy experts, these qualifications paved the way for the renowned Certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) qualification.

IBITGQ qualifications: Empowering individuals and organisations

The GDPR Foundation qualification offers a comprehensive introduction to the Regulation, its implications, and its impact on organisations and staff. It covers core areas such as the history and development of the GDPR, its scope and key definitions, the six data processing principles, special data categories, data controllers and processors, and incident response measures.

This qualification benefits a wide range of professionals, not just those in risk or compliance, information security, IT, or data analysis. It’s valuable for anyone with an interest or general understanding of the GDPR seeking to enhance their career with a recognised qualification. The syllabus is meticulously crafted to provide a strong foundation for further GDPR study.

The GDPR Practitioner qualification validates a professional’s ability to implement an effective privacy and information security compliance programme aligned with the GDPR. The syllabus covers various areas, including the application of the GDPR, necessary policies and procedures, implementing the seven data protection principles for demonstrable compliance, handling data subject access requests (DSARs), the roles and relationships between data controllers and processors, and the legal requirements for conducting a data protection impact assessment (DPIA). This qualification is particularly beneficial for those involved in data protection, risk and compliance, IT, and governance.

For people aspiring to become a DPO or those already in this role, the DPO qualification is the ideal choice. It delves into the intricacies of the GDPR, exploring its legal background and how it intersects with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), freedom of information legislation, the Law Enforcement Directive, and EU member state implementation practices. The course also clarifies the distinctions between the EU GDPR and the UK GDPR, compliance monitoring by the Regulation, and the DPO’s role in incident management.

The continuing value of IBITGQ qualifications

Six years since their introduction, IBITGQ’s GDPR and DPO qualifications remain more relevant than ever. As data protection and privacy laws continue to develop, each of these qualifications brings invaluable benefits to both individuals and organisations.

Benefits for individuals:

  • Opens doors to career opportunities in the high-demand and ever-growing data protection and privacy fields.
  • Validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the GDPR and data protection, demonstrating their commitment to information and data security.
  • Signals a high level of integrity, sought-after by organisations building information, data and cyber security teams.

Benefits for organisations:

  • Provides demonstrable evidence of GDPR compliance, reducing the risk of regulatory fines.
  • Strengthens data protection and privacy procedures, mitigating the risk of security breaches with potentially severe financial and reputational consequences.
  • Offers operational freedom without restrictions, demonstrating a commitment to business continuity, reducing skills gaps, and contributing to a safer data and privacy environment.

Are you prepared?

In this ever-evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring your organisation is GDPR-compliant is crucial. IBITGQ can give you and your team the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of data protection.

IBITGQ: Your partner in GDPR compliance

Contact us today at servicecentre@ibitgq.org to learn more about our GDPR solutions and how they can elevate your organisation’s data protection posture.

Stay connected

Follow IBITGQ on social media for the latest data protection insights:

LinkedIn: IBITGQ LinkedIn
X: IBITGQ X