The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has revolutionised the way organisations handle the personal data of individuals in the UK. This legislation aims to protect the personal data of individuals within the UK, ensuring that organisations that handle this data do so responsibly and transparently. 

As a result, businesses need to comply with the GDPR requirements to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. One of the best ways to ensure GDPR compliance is to conduct a GDPR audit. 

In this guide, we will explore the meaning of GDPR compliance and outline the audit process for a successful compliance journey.

Understanding GDPR Audit

A GDPR audit is a systematic examination of an organisation’s data protection processes, policies, and systems. The primary goal of a GDPR audit is to evaluate an organisation’s adherence to the GDPR compliance requirements. This process helps organisations identify any gaps in their data protection practices and provides recommendations on how to become GDPR compliant.

Non-compliance with GDPR can result in hefty fines of up to 4% of annual global turnover or £17.5 million, whichever is higher. Moreover, being GDPR compliant is crucial for maintaining your organisation’s reputation, as data breaches or non-compliance may lead to negative publicity and loss of customer trust.

The GDPR audit process can be conducted either by the organisation itself or by an external law professional or specialist. Regardless of who performs the audit, the critical thing is to thoroughly understand the GDPR compliance meaning and the GDPR requirements for your organisation.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin the GDPR audit, it is essential to prepare by understanding the GDPR compliance requirements and the scope of the audit. This step includes:

• Familiarise yourself with the GDPR legislation, focusing on the GDPR compliance meaning and how it applies to your company.
• Pinpointing key stakeholders within your business who will be involved in the GDPR audit process, such as the Data Protection Officer (DPO), IT department, and other relevant personnel.
• Defining the scope of the audit, which may include specific departments, processes, or data types.
• Setting clear objectives for the audit, such as identifying gaps in compliance or assessing the effectiveness of current data protection measures.

Step 2: Data Mapping

Data mapping is a critical step in the GDPR audit process, as it helps companies understand what personal data they hold, where it is stored, and how it is processed. This step involves:

• Finding all personal data collected, processed, and stored within your organisation. This includes information about employees, customers, suppliers, and other third parties.
• Mapping the flow of personal data within your business, including how it is collected, processed, stored, and shared.
• Identifying the legal basis for processing each type of personal data, as well as any data retention periods.
• Assessing the risks associated with the processing of personal data, such as potential data breaches or non-compliance with GDPR requirements.

Step 3: Review of Policies and Procedures

The GDPR requires organisations to have robust data protection policies and procedures in place. During this step, you should:

• Review your organisation’s existing data protection policies and procedures, ensuring they align with GDPR compliance requirements.
• Determine any gaps in your policies and procedures, such as outdated information or lack of clarity on specific GDPR requirements.
• Update or create new policies and procedures where necessary, ensuring they are comprehensive and easy to understand.
• Ensure that all employees are aware of and have access to these policies and procedures, and provide necessary training if required.

Step 4: Assess Technical and Organizational Measures

GDPR compliance requires companies to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. During this step, you should:

• Evaluate the security measures, such as encryption, access controls, and secure data storage.
• Assess the effectiveness of these measures and identify any areas for improvement.
• Review your organisation’s procedures for detecting, reporting, and investigating data breaches or other security incidents.
• Ensure that your business has adequate processes in place for managing data subject rights, such as the right to access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.

Step 5: Reporting and Action Plan

After completing the GDPR audit, creating a detailed report outlining the findings and recommendations is essential. This report should include the following:

• An overview of the audit process, including the scope, objectives, and methodology used.
• A summary of the key findings, including areas of compliance and non-compliance, along with the potential risks and impacts associated with each.
• Recommendations for addressing any identified gaps or areas of non-compliance, prioritised based on risk and impact.
• An action plan outlining the steps to be taken to achieve compliance, including responsibilities, timelines, and resources required.
• A plan for ongoing monitoring, review, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s GDPR compliance efforts.

Step 6: Implement the Action Plan

Once the report and action plan have been finalised, it is crucial to begin implementing the recommended changes and improvements. This may involve:

• Updating or creating new policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure compliance with GDPR requirements.
• Conducting training and awareness programs for employees to ensure they understand their responsibilities under the GDPR and how to handle personal data appropriately.
• Implementing technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, such as encryption, access controls, and data breach response procedures.
• Establishing a process for regularly monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the implemented measures and making any necessary adjustments.

Step 7: Ongoing Compliance

Achieving GDPR compliance is not a one-time task but rather an ongoing responsibility. Companies must continuously monitor, review, and improve their data protection practices to remain compliant as regulations and technologies evolve. This may involve:

• Regularly reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure they remain current and effective.
• Conducting periodic internal audits or assessments to identify any areas of non-compliance or potential risk.
• Participating in industry-specific data protection forums, conferences, and training programs to stay informed about best practices and emerging trends.
• Continuously monitoring and adapting to changes in data protection laws, regulations, and guidance issued by relevant authorities.

Conclusion

Conducting a GDPR audit is essential for organisations that process personal data. The GDPR audit process helps companies identify and address any gaps or weaknesses in their data protection framework, ultimately helping them achieve compliance with the GDPR. 

Following these steps can ensure organisations are protecting personal data in compliance with the GDPR’s requirements and avoiding potential fines for non-compliance.

To ensure your business adheres to GDPR regulations, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a GDPR specialist who can offer professional guidance. Briefed comprises a group of Barristers in Belfast with specialisation in GDPR and data protection, ready to provide the necessary advice. 

By working with us, you can guarantee your business’s compliance with GDPR while safely and securely handling personal data. Contact us today to begin the process!