Data Protection Officer (DPO) Service
Your trusted partner in privacy and data protection compliance.
DPO as a Service
VeraSafe’s team of in-house American and European privacy attorneys and IT security experts are uniquely equipped to serve as your Data Protection Officer team. VeraSafe already serves as the DPO for organizations ranging from very large enterprises and a top CRM provider, to small and medium sized enterprises. VeraSafe’s team represents a complete DPO solution for companies grappling with complex data protection regulatory requirements.
VeraSafe’s DPO team is available to help with the following activities, among others:
- Collecting and maintaining your records of processing (“data mapping”).
- Performing Data Protection Impact Assessments.
- Analyzing your organization’s “legitimate interests” (GDPR Article 6(1)(f)).
- Conducting privacy by design/privacy by default workshops.
- Conducting staff training workshops.
- Interfacing with data protection authorities on behalf of your organization.
- Advising and leading your organization’s compliance with all other GDPR compliance obligations.
Tailored DPO Program
Your VeraSafe DPO team will bring an impartial perspective to your privacy compliance program and is available to help with the following activities, among others:
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General compliance oversight
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Interfacing with data protection authorities on behalf of your organization
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Developing and implementing data protection policies and procedures
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Assisting with data breach response and incident management
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Performing data protection impact assessments
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Advising on data protection matters
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Overseeing data subject requests
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Conducting staff training workshops
Benefits Of an External Data Protection Officer
Taking the proactive step of appointing a data protection officer often adds value to businesses in a variety of ways, not least of which is the inherent benefit of having trained privacy experts at your disposal to advise on privacy issues, assist with privacy related product decisions, and monitor regulatory compliance.
Can the role of the DPO be outsourced?
Yes. Organizations may outsource the DPO function to a service provider. Outsourcing offers a flexible and effective way to meet your compliance obligations.
Is VeraSafe established in both the U.S. and the EU?
Yes, VeraSafe has an established presence in both the U.S. and the EU.
Is appointing a DPO compliant with the GDPR?
Yes, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is compliant with the GDPR, provided the individual or team meets the necessary qualifications. The regulation does not require a DPO to be a permanent employee; instead, it emphasizes their expertise, independence, and ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This flexibility enables organizations to appoint a DPO who possesses expert knowledge of data protection laws, operates without conflicts of interest, and remains accessible to both the organization and supervisory authorities.
Does VeraSafe have the expertise required by Article 37(5)
Yes, VeraSafe’s team of in-house privacy attorneys and IT security consultants have fulfilled the DPO role for organizations since 2015.
What are the benefits of outsourcing A DPO?
Outsourcing the DPO role has proven to be a practical and reliable way to meet GDPR requirements. While organizations can appoint an internal DPO, they often face challenges due to conflicts of interest and biases associated with corporate leadership roles. The DPO must remain neutral and impartial, with the ability to independently oversee the company’s compliance with regulations. The impartial perspective of an external DPO can also help identify and address compliance gaps, contributing to the overall improvement of the organization’s data protection practices.
How quickly can a DPO be onboarded and start providing support?
Our DPO team can typically be onboarded within 1–2 weeks. Following an initial introductory call, VeraSafe assigns a dedicated team tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Our streamlined onboarding process minimizes disruption and ensures rapid integration, enabling the team to quickly familiarize themselves with your privacy framework, compliance policies, and operational requirements. While the timeline may vary depending on the complexity of your operations and existing data protection framework, VeraSafe’s expertise guarantees an efficient onboarding process focused on addressing your immediate compliance needs. This efficient approach ensures continuous compliance and a seamless transition.
Top Project Management Methodology
Our proprietary project management methodology ensures that we are able to meet tight deadlines and accommodate aggressive timelines. Your VeraSafe project team will include a qualified project manager who is responsible for managing the overall pace, organization, and efficiency of your compliance project. The project manager has the ability to draw on the resources and expertise of the entire VeraSafe team, when needed, to accelerate the completion of deliverables.
Experienced Team
Our more than 50 team members include American and European attorneys, compliance professionals, and IT security experts with in-depth knowledge of the GDPR and have been fulfilling the role of the DPO for organizations since 2015. Our ranks include former regulators and Vault Law 100 attorneys, Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP), Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA), and alumni of Big 4 professional service firms.
Jim Cormier
Sr. VP and Head of Professional Services
CIPP/E, CIPM, FIP
Zia Maharaj
Partner
CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, GCP for Clinical Trials (ICH Focus)
Kellie du Preez
Partner
CIPP/E
Isabel Fernández Del Campo Aguiló
Senior Privacy Counsel
CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, CIPT