A DPO independently advises on data protection obligations, monitors compliance, documents decisions, and acts as the liaison with regulators.

Why this matters

The DPO role is often misunderstood. Regulators expect independence, visibility, and influence, not just policy review.

What a DPO does day‑to‑day

• Advises on Data Protection and UK GDPR obligations and risk decisions
• Reviews DPIAs and high‑risk processing
• Oversees breach assessment and notification decisions
• Oversees responses to data subject requests
• Oversees responses to complaints from data subjects or the regulator
• Monitors compliance activities and trends
• Acts as the contact point for regulators and data subjects

What a DPO does not do

• Own implementation
• Make final business decisions
• Replace management accountability

Evidence of an effective DPO function

• Documented advice and challenge
• Clear escalation paths
• Independence from operational roles