Outsourced Data Protection Officer Support for UK Organisations
Appoint a solicitor-led external Data Protection Officer from £500 per month
We provide flexible DPO support to organisations to help them manage their data protection responsibilities, provide independent oversight and advice, and meet their UK GDPR obligations without the cost of recruiting a full-time Data Protection Officer.
If you need ongoing data protection support, independent advice and a named DPO, you’re in the right place.
We offer practical and reliable outsourced DPO services to our clients, with flexible monthly support covering data protection oversight, reporting, DPIAs, DSARs, data breaches, training and ongoing UK GDPR compliance.
A common issue we regularly come across is that the responsibility for the data protection officer has been allocated to an existing HR or IT role, without the individual having sufficient time or specialist support and that it only receives attention when something goes wrong. By this point, it’s often too late and decisions need to be made quickly.
Clara Westbrook
25+ Years PQE
Founder | Qualified Solicitor | Data Protection Specialist
079 76 939 016
Do you need a formal Data Protection Officer?
Some organisations we work with are legally required to appoint a DPO due to the nature of their processing. This can apply to public authorities or where sensitive personal data is involved such a healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations.
Other organisations we work with choose to appoint us as their DPO on a voluntarily basis because they are conducting new types of processing and want to make sure they are complying with the rules and need a sounding board. This is especially important when implementing AI software into their services as a DPIA needs to be conducted.
With that said, a formal DPO appointment isn’t always the right solution. Where an organisation doesn’t need a DPO, ongoing data protection advice and support may be more appropriate.
We can discuss your processing activities, current arrangements with you before you make a choice.
What to expect from our outsourced DPO service
We’ll work alongside your existing legal, HR, compliance, IT and operational teams to provide practical data protection oversight and support to suit your needs.
1
Ongoing data
protection advice
2
Monitoring your data
protection programme
and assess gaps.
3
Monthly one
to one calls
4
DSARs, complaints and
individual rights requests
5
Data breach
support on demand
6
Training and
awareness programmes
In our experience the level of involvement varies considerably between organisations. Some clients ask us for periodic independent oversight, while others involve us regularly in new projects, DPIAs, DSARs, breaches and decisions about new ways of using personal data.
What we see in practice
A pattern we see is that a product will be ready to launch and a DPO will be called in and asked to give the final sign off without first having any knowledge of the product. This approach can cause delays as the DPO needs to get up to speed with that it is that you’re company is doing with the data and where it’s going. Your DPO should be involved from the start so that a privacy by design framework can be followed.
What are the benefits of outsourcing your DPO?
With the advent of artificial intelligence, data protection issues are becoming more relevant as organisations seek to implement their own technologies. This increases the likelihood of data breaches occurring as the system needs to follow privacy by design. Having an independent voice can guide you to make a the right privacy choices without compromising security.
In our experience, some of the most significant data protection risks arise when an organisation changes something such as introducing a new system, appointing a new supplier, implementing AI, launching a marketing campaign or changing how employee information is processed. All of these require a new contract to be implemented or a process to be put in place. All of which will have to be kept and updated within a Data Protection Impact Assessment.
Our monthly service allows the level of support to reflect the size, risk profile and requirements of your organisation.
Considering an external DPO?
Download our one-page guide to what organisations should expect from their external DPO — and what WDPS brings to the role.
Download the external DPO guide →
Our DPO services pricing
Our pricing is based on monthly time, so you can choose a level of support that reflects your organisation’s size, risk and internal resource.
Monthly DPO Support | Suitable for | Fee |
Up to 4 hours per month | Light-touch DPO support, occasional advice, annual planning and external oversight. | From £500 + VAT per month |
Up to 8 hours per month | Regular advice, stakeholder meetings, document reviews, DPIA support and internal queries. | From £800 + VAT per month |
Up to 12 hours per month | Higher-risk processing, regular DSARs, breach queries, supplier reviews and compliance monitoring. | From £1,200 + VAT per month |
Up to 16 hours per month | Hands-on support across departments, senior management reporting, training and ongoing compliance reviews. | From £1,600 + VAT per month |
Interim DPO Cover | Temporary support while recruiting, restructuring or replacing an existing DPO. | Quote depending on scope |
Additional time is charged at £200 + VAT per hour, unless agreed otherwise in advance. We will always confirm before carrying out work outside the agreed monthly allowance.
Why use our outsourced Data protection Officer services?
With more than 25 years’ experience in data protection and privacy, we have dealt with a wide range of data protection issues across different organisations and sectors. This includes advising on DSARs, data breaches, DPIAs, employment matters, contracts, new technologies and the use of personal data in day-to-day business.
Our experience includes working with WarnerMedia, Yum! Brands, Burberry, Expedia and Société Générale, where data protection advice has to take account of the legal requirements as well as how the organisation operates in practice.
Request DPO support
Speak directly with a data protection specialist +44 (0)7976 939 016 (Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat: 10 – 4pm).
If you would like us to call or email you, please leave your details and a short summary of the DPO support you need. We will let you know what information we need and confirm the most suitable support option before work begins.
Westbrook Data Protection Services Limited, 2nd Floor, Midas House, 62 Goldsworth Road Woking, Surrey, GU21 6LQ
View our Privacy Policy here
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Frequently asked questions
Can an external DPO meet our UK GDPR requirements?
Yes. The DPO role can be provided externally under a service contract. The external DPO must have the same position, tasks and duties as an internally appointed DPO, including the necessary independence and access to senior management. ICO
Who will act as our DPO?
Your organisation will have a named external DPO and direct access to the specialist responsible for the appointment. The scope of the service, reporting arrangements and principal contacts are agreed at the outset.
How do you determine the right level of support?
We consider your organisation’s size, processing activities, risk profile, current priorities and the resources already available internally. We then agree a proportionate level of support, which can be reviewed as your organisation or requirements change.
Can WDPS work alongside our existing teams and advisers?
Yes. WDPS can provide interim DPO support during recruitment, absence, restructuring or a change of provider. Priorities, reporting arrangements and handover requirements are agreed before the appointment begins.
Does appointing an external DPO transfer responsibility for compliance?
No. Your organisation remains responsible for complying with data protection law. The DPO provides independent advice, monitoring and challenge, and must be given the access and support needed to perform the role effectively. ICO