Top qualities to look for in a data protection officer (DPO) + hiring guide

Data protection is an essential aspect of organizational data management, especially with the increasing amounts of data being processed daily.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) outlines specific requirements for data protection compliance, and organizations must ensure they comply with the regulation to avoid hefty penalties.

To achieve compliance with data protection law, companies must appoint a data protection officer (DPO) or a GDPR consultant, who will oversee and manage data protection activities within the organization.

The DPO plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection of data subjects’ personal data and is responsible for overseeing data protection compliance within the organization.

In this article, we will discuss the top qualities in a DPO and offer practical advice on hiring a qualified data protection consultant.

The role of a DPO

A DPO is a professional tasked with overseeing an organization’s data protection activities. Data protection officer responsibilities focus on ensuring that the organization’s data processing activities comply with data protection laws and regulations, especially the GDPR.

Additionally, the DPO is tasked with communicating with data subjects, supervisory authorities, and other stakeholders on matters related to data protection compliance.

The GDPR outlines specific roles and responsibilities of a DPO, which include:

Advising the organization and its employees on matters related to data protection laws and regulations, as well as conducting regular and systematic monitoring to ensure organizational data protection compliance.

Conducting regular data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) to identify and manage risks related to data processing activities.

Cooperating with supervisory authorities on matters related to data protection.

Acting as a point of contact for data subjects concerned about organizational data protection, and ensuring that they receive helpful guidance and are easily accessible.

Providing expert knowledge on data protection laws and regulations, and specifically defining the exact guidelines for conducting regular security audits.

Qualities of a good DPO

Expert knowledge of data protection laws

A DPO must have a thorough understanding of data protection laws such as GDPR, as well as other relevant data protection regulations. This knowledge will enable them to guide the organization in complying with the data protection laws, avoiding fines and penalties, and protecting the data of data subjects.

Technical and analytical skills

A DPO must have technical and analytical skills to understand data processing operations and identify risks. They must also have expertise in conducting data protection impact assessments, managing data breach incidents, and conducting regular security audits.

Communication skills

A DPO must have excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with data subjects, data protection authorities, and other stakeholders. They must also communicate complex data protection concepts in simple terms to non-experts in the organization, such as senior management and staff.

Risk assessment and management skills

A DPO must be able to conduct risk assessments and manage risks related to data processing operations. They must have the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to data subjects’ rights and freedoms.

Ethical and professional qualities

A DPO must have a high level of integrity and professional ethics to ensure they maintain confidentiality and impartiality. They must also be reliable and responsible in performing their duties.

Hiring data protection consultants

When it comes to hiring a Data Protection Officer (DPO), finding qualified candidates is essential to ensure your organization is compliant with data protection laws. But where do you start and what should you look for in a candidate? In this article, we’ll provide practical tips for finding and assessing qualified DPO candidates, as well as offer interview questions to help you make the right hiring decision.

Finding qualified consultants

When searching for data protection consultants, organizations can consider a variety of options, including:

Referrals: One of the most reliable ways to find a qualified data protection consultant is through referrals from trusted sources. Reach out to other organizations in your industry, professional networks, or legal counsel for recommendations.

Professional associations: Data protection consultants are often members of professional associations such as the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) or the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). These associations can provide valuable resources for finding and connecting with qualified consultants.

Online marketplaces: Platforms such as Onsiter provide a marketplace for companies to find and hire freelance data protection consultants. These marketplaces offer a convenient way to connect with a large pool of qualified consultants and compare their rates and expertise.

Consultant brokers: Companies like Right People Group act as brokers, matching organizations with pre-screened and vetted consultants who have specific expertise in data protection. Right People group handles the search and vetting process, making it easier for companies to find the right consultant for their needs.

Assessing consultant qualifications

When assessing DPO candidates, it’s important to consider the following:

Relevant qualifications and experience in data protection and privacy laws

Technical and analytical skills

Communication skills

Risk assessment and management skills

Ethical and professional qualities

Additionally, if you are considering hiring a consultant to serve as your DPO, make sure to evaluate their experience working with organizations in your industry and their ability to provide tailored guidance to your specific needs. Look for a consultant with a proven track record of helping companies achieve and maintain compliance with data protection laws, and consider checking references or requesting case studies to assess their expertise.

Interview questions

When interviewing data protection consultants, it’s important to ask targeted questions to evaluate their qualifications and experience. Here are some examples of interview questions that can help assess a consultant’s expertise:

What types of data protection and privacy laws have you worked with in the past, and how have you ensured compliance for your clients?

Could you describe a specific instance in which you identified and mitigated a data protection risk for a client? How did you approach the situation, and what were the results?

How do you stay up-to-date on new developments and changes in data protection laws and regulations, and how do you incorporate these changes into your consulting work?

Have you ever worked with an organization to develop and implement a comprehensive data protection strategy? Could you walk me through your process for creating such a strategy?

How do you assess an organization’s data protection needs and risks, and what steps do you take to address these needs?

Could you describe a situation in which you had to communicate complex data protection concepts to non-experts within an organization? How did you approach this, and what strategies did you find most effective?

How do you prioritize data protection concerns and risks, and how do you balance these concerns with other organizational goals and objectives?

Have you ever worked with a data protection authority or regulatory body? If so, could you describe your experience and how you navigated any challenges that arose?

How do you approach training and educating employees on data protection policies and procedures, and what strategies have you found to be most effective?

Finally, could you give an example of a particularly challenging data protection consulting engagement you have worked on, and how you overcame any obstacles to achieve a successful outcome?

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring a qualified data protection officers is essential for organizations to comply with data protection laws and protect the data of data subjects.

A good DPO consultant must possess a combination of technical and soft skills, such as expert knowledge of data protection laws, technical and analytical skills, communication skills, risk assessment and management skills, and ethical and professional qualities. By following the hiring guide outlined above, HR and services procurement professionals can find the right candidate to oversee their organization’s data protection efforts.