Outsourced Data Protection Officer Support for UK Organisations
Appoint a solicitor-led external Data Protection Officer from £500 per month
WDPS provides outsourced DPO support for organisations that need independent data protection oversight without recruiting a full-time Data Protection Officer.
Support can include ongoing advice, DPIAs, DSARs, data breaches, compliance monitoring, training and reporting to senior management.
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 see is responsibility for data protection being added to an existing HR, IT or compliance role without enough time or specialist support. Problems are then picked up only when a project is about to launch, a breach occurs or a difficult rights request arrives.
Clara Westbrook
25+ Years PQE
Founder | Qualified Solicitor | Data Protection Specialist
079 76 939 016
Do you need a formal Data Protection Officer?
Not every organisation is legally required to appoint a Data Protection Officer.
Some organisations we work with are required to appoint one because of the nature and scale of their processing. Others choose to appoint an external DPO voluntarily because they want independent oversight and a consistent point of contact for data protection matters.
A formal DPO appointment is not always necessary. If you need ongoing advice but do not require a statutory DPO, a different support arrangement may be more appropriate.
We can review your current arrangements and processing activities with you before recommending the appropriate level of support.
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 identifying gaps
3
Monthly one
to one calls
4
DSARs, complaints and
individual rights requests
5
Data breach advice
and response support
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
One recurring problem we see is the DPO being involved too late.
For example, a new product or system may be ready to launch before anyone asks the DPO to review how personal data will be collected, used or shared. At that stage, changes can be more difficult and expensive to make.
Bringing the DPO into the project earlier means potential issues can be identified while there is still time to address them, rather than asking for a final sign-off once the main decisions have already been made.
What are the benefits of outsourcing your DPO?
An outsourced DPO gives your organisation access to independent data protection oversight without necessarily employing a full-time specialist internally.
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. Depending on the change, you may need to put appropriate data processing terms in place and update relevant documentation, such as your privacy information, Records of Processing Activities or, where required, 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 |
We agree the scope of the appointment, reporting arrangements and principal contacts before the service begins. 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. Our minimum DPO service is 40 hours a year. You will be given a named DPO and a second if your DPO is unavailable.
Experience behind our DPO service
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.
Clara’s previous in-house and consultancy experience includes work with organisations such as WarnerMedia, Yum! Brands, Burberry, Expedia and Société Générale. That experience includes dealing with data protection issues across large and complex organisations where the legal requirements have to work 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. We regularly work alongside internal legal, HR, compliance, IT and security teams, as well as external advisers. We agree responsibilities and principal contacts at the outset so that it is clear when the DPO should be involved and who is responsible for implementing any actions.
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