GDPR What you need to know

GDPR What you need to know by Michael Cheary More and more companies now rely on data to move their businesses forward…As a result, new legislation is being introduced in 2018 which will help regulate the way all businesses manage their data â€" replacing the current Data Protection Act.To find out more, we spoke to the experts at the IDM to find out more about GDPR, and how it could even help you find a brand new role:What is GDPR?The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new law that applies to any company that holds data on European citizens. The law effectively changes how companies manage data, and will apply to any company regardless of where they are based.Sectors most likely to be affected include retail, marketing and marketing services, but many other sectors will be also be affected.When does the GDPR come into effect?The GDPR officially comes into effect on 25th May 2018.Although it’s an EU legislation, the government have stated that it will be enforced even if Brexit goes ahe ad, meaning businesses need to get-to-grips with it now in order to prepare for the change.What data does the GDPR cover? Data classified as ‘personal data’ or ‘sensitive personal data’ will be covered by the GDPR.Examples of data that fall under these categories include everything from telephone numbers and personal addresses, through to online data such as IP addresses, emails and even medical or HR records.What is the Data Protection Act?The Data Protection Act (DPA) was the previous legislation put in place to protect people’s personal data â€" and is being formally replaced by GDPR.The main differences between GDPR and the DPA are that it’s a lot stricter, ensuring businesses can only collect personal data for valid reasons â€" and must delete it once it’s no longer needed.GDPR also ensures that only those who need the data can access it. That’s where a Data Protection Officer comes in.What is a Data Protection Officer?Businesses need Data Protection Officers (D POs) to manage the move to the GDPR, and also keep on top of the GDPR once it is introduced in May 2018.Three types of company need a Data Protection Officer:Public authoritiesCompanies that, ‘carry out large scale systematic monitoring of individuals’Companies that, ‘carry out large scale processing of special categories of data or data relating to criminal convictions and offences’Realistically, any business of significant size will need a Data Protection Officer, particularly any business with a marketing or customer service department.Why is Data Protection important?There are severe penalties for those businesses that don’t comply with the GDPR totalling up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover (whichever is the higher).These stiff penalties are in order to make sure large multinationals and internet giants take notice of the new laws. It means that in practice, many large companies throughout the world will make changes to meet the requirements of the GDPR, even if they are not based in Europe.As a result, Data Protection Officers are in high-demand, with median salaries already exceeding £50,000. And this figure is only likely to increase in the coming years.How do I become a Data Protection Officer?If you’re interested in learning more about GDPR, or are thinking about pursuing a career as a Data Protection Officer, these courses are a great place to start:GDPR: The Basics is a two-hour foundation level seminar held in Central London, giving a conveniently condensed overview of the changes to the collection and handling of data under the GDPR and how the regulation will affect businesses.The IDM Award in GDPR is a foundation level qualification giving an essential overview of the fundamentals of the GDPR.   A must-have qualification, equivalent to a Level 4 QCF Qualification, this online course is self-paced and can be completed within a matter of hours.GDPR Essentials is held at cities across the UK and provides a fundamental overvie w to give you a solid grasp of everything you need to know about the GDPR.GDPR In Practice is an intermediate course focusing on action planning, providing you with a framework to develop and implement compliant marketing strategies.    Why study with the IDM?For more than 30 years the IDM has existed to support, encourage and improve marketing performance from the first steps on the career ladder, right to the very top. As part of the DMA Group they deliver best practice marketing training in line with their responsible marketing remit.Every IDM programme is designed and delivered by industry professionals, who know what it takes to build a career in your chosen sector.Other benefits of studying with the IDM include:Dedicated tutors and student supportOnline learning materialsIndustry-recognised qualificationsPrices inclusive of exams â€" so no hidden costsPart of the DMA Group, meaning they deliver industry best practiceIf you’re ready to learn more about data protection, get i n touch with the IDM today.    For more than 30 years the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing  have supported and encouraged their students from the first steps on the career ladder, right to the very top. Theyre the trusted training partner for hundreds of leading brands from over 30 countries and have trained over 100,000 delegates.