GDPR For Dummies

Chapter 23

Ten Must-Have Skills for the DPO

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discovering what skills and qualifications a DPO requires

Considering how the DPO needs to work independently and autonomously

Learning the other skills and attributes necessary and desirable for a DPO

If you’re looking to hire a Data Protection Officer (see Chapter 15 to find out whether you need to) or you’re considering a new career in data protection as a DPO, this chapter's list of ten must-have skills for DPOs may prove helpful.

Many company executives believe that they can hire a fairly junior IT specialist or assign the office manager (or another existing generalist staff) to fulfil the role of DPO. This is not the case. The DPO needs to be appropriately qualified, or else you could be in breach of the GDPR.

The DPO doesn’t necessarily need to be a salaried employee; the position can, in fact, be outsourced. A group of companies might appoint a single DPO, provided that the person is easily accessible from each establishment.

The DPO’s tasks, as defined in Article 39 of the GDPR, are listed here:

• Inform and advise ...