Build foundational knowledge of the UK DPO role, data protection law, accountability, individual rights, breach management and practical privacy leadership responsibilities.
The Data Protection Officer Foundation Course — Introduction to the DPO Role provides a structured introduction to the responsibilities, legal context and practical priorities associated with data protection leadership in UK organisations. It is designed for learners who want to understand what a Data Protection Officer does, when organisations may need to appoint one and how the role supports accountability, governance and effective communication.
The course introduces essential UK data protection legislation and regulatory expectations, including the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and the Data Use and Access Act 2025. Learners will explore personal data classifications, lawful processing, consent, legitimate interests, transparency, purpose limitation and data minimisation.
The curriculum also covers accountability records, Data Protection Impact Assessments, data protection by design, staff training, compliance monitoring and audit activity. In the final module, learners examine individual rights, subject access requests, privacy notices, complaints, personal data breaches, ICO notification and practical DPO escalation.
By combining legal foundations with governance and workplace action, this course helps learners build a clear understanding of the DPO role and the responsibilities involved in supporting organisational data protection practices.
5 sections
•
21 lectures
Purpose and Value of the Data Protection Officer
When Organisations Must Appoint a DPO
DPO Independence, Support, and Reporting Lines
Core DPO Duties Under the UK GDPR
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 Essentials
PECR Rules for Marketing, Cookies, and Communications
Data Use and Access Act 2025 Updates
ICO Powers, Guidance, Enforcement, and Expectations
Personal Data, Special Category Data, and Criminal Offence Data
Lawful Bases for Collecting and Using Personal Data
Consent, Legitimate Interests, Public Task, and Legal Obligation
Fairness, Transparency, Purpose Limitation, and Data Minimisation
Define accountability in practical terms
Identify key types of compliance evidence
Explain the purpose and process of DPIAs
Apply data protection by design and default
Embed governance through policies, training, audits, and monitoring
Understand and manage individual rights and subject access requests (SARs)
Deliver effective privacy notices and handle complaints
Recognise and respond to personal data breaches, including risk assessment and ICO notification
Master DPO escalation, board reporting, and set priorities for your first 90 days
Overall a positive learning experience. The content on independence, accountability, monitoring and stakeholder advice was clear, though more complex DPO decision scenarios would make the course even better.
Really useful course — practical, easy to follow and relevant to my work. The section on independence, accountability, monitoring and stakeholder advice stood out for me.
This course is suitable for aspiring DPOs, compliance staff, managers, administrators and professionals who want a foundational understanding of the Data Protection Officer role.
Yes. The course begins with the purpose and responsibilities of the DPO role before progressing into legislation, lawful processing, governance, individual rights and breach management.
Yes. The curriculum covers when organisations must appoint a DPO, as well as DPO independence, organisational support, reporting lines and core duties.
Yes. Learners are introduced to Data Protection Impact Assessments, high-risk processing, data protection by design and the evidence organisations may need to demonstrate accountability.
No. This course provides general training and educational information only. Organisations and individuals should follow applicable laws, professional guidance and internal policies and consult qualified specialists when applying requirements to specific situations.
