Understanding online GDPR compliance courses
While GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) can be a dry and complex subject, it’s also an incredibly important part of data compliance. For that reason, some of your employees should have a deep understanding of GDPR, and all of your employees should at least have a basic knowledge of GDPR principles.
To do that, GDPR compliance training can be taken online, with courses covering the subject at a wide variety of levels, from beginner through to advanced. But what is GDPR and why is it important for employees to learn its principles?
What is GDPR?
GDPR is a set of data protection rules published by the European Union that outlines how businesses store and process personal data. The full GDPR regulations came into force in 2018, and contain a mammoth 99 articles. Many consider the rules to be complex and extensive but also agree that they help protect consumers' data and how that data is handled by organizations.
GDPR is so important because it focuses on consent, giving customers the choice over who stores their data, for how long, and for what reason.
Because of how long winded GDPR guidelines are, it’s critical that your business has a full understanding of the rules.
Is GDPR a legal requirement?
If your business processes customer data then you need to ensure that you’re GDPR compliant. If your business is not found to be compliant, then it risks fines of up to €10 million, or in some cases higher.
Who is responsible for GDPR compliance?
A business is responsible for complying with all GDPR requirements, as well as ensuring it’s in a position to demonstrate that it’s compliant. In order to do this, part of its GDPR responsibilities includes introducing the correct procedures, technologies, and relevant training.
At certain organizations, such as those processing sensitive or large amounts of data, a DPO (Data Protection Officer) must be appointed. A DPO is responsible for the strategy and implementation of data protection within that organization,
A DPO can be an existing employee, a new employee, or appointed externally.
Who should take GDPR training?
Because most employees work with data in some form, it’s recommended that all employees take some form of GDPR training. This is the responsibility of the business, or the DPO if the business appoints one, to arrange. Failing to train employees means there is a risk of non-compliance, which in turn risks a potential fine and damage to your business’s reputation.
GDPR compliance training for employees is available at all levels, from beginner modules to advanced topics. Which level particular employees require depends on several factors such as seniority, how much data they handle, the type of data they handle, how they process data, and whether they speak directly to your customers.
However, it’s vital that all employees at least have a basic understanding of GDPR and its principles.
Can you take GDPR training online?
Yes, GDPR training can be taken online via eLearning platforms such as Go1. Online training is a fast, cost-effective, and convenient way for all employees to learn the basics of GDPR, as well as advanced training where required.
For more information browse our range of data compliance courses.
How do you ensure compliance with GDPR?
As we’ve already highlighted, it is your business’s responsibility to ensure it complies with GDPR guidelines. For that reason, there are many ways in which you can ensure compliance:
- If required, appoint a DPO.
- Raise awareness of your employees by offering mandatory training. eLearning can be a cost-effective and convenient way to deliver training, and if your company uses an LMS (learning management system) you can monitor who has completed the training and who needs additional support.
- Audit customer data to determine whether all data is relevant and how it’s shared.
- Ensure you have procedures outlined so you can respond to requests asking for what data you hold for an individual.
- Make sure you let customers know how you collect, store and use their data with a relevant privacy notice.
- Have a detailed strategy for detecting, investigating, reporting, and rectifying a data breach.
How often should you take GDPR refresher training?
Due to the importance of data protection and keeping customers’ personal data safe, GDPR refresher training should be taken annually. Not only does this ensure employees have the most up-to-date knowledge, but it also demonstrates that your business is doing everything it can to protect your customers’ data.
Which GDPR course is right for you?
As we’ve already discussed, online GDPR training can be taken at various levels of complexity depending on the role and seniority of an employee. The following courses are useful across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Do online GDPR courses offer certification?
Yes, many online courses offer GDPR training and certification. While browsing eLearning platforms check whether this is something provided once the course has been completed.
Where can you take an online GDPR course?
Go1 has a range of online GDPR training courses which can be accessed instantly. For more information on how Go1 can help develop your employees, book a demo with a member of our expert team today.
