Our Work / 36 Group
Achieving LOCS:23 certification with 36 Group
The Problem: Validating GDPR Compliance Efforts
London-based chambers, 36 Group, have long been committed to maintaining robust GDPR compliance. However, ensuring that their efforts were targeted in the most effective areas posed a challenge. Without external validation, it was difficult to determine whether their approach aligned with best practices and regulatory expectations. To gain clarity and confidence in their compliance strategy, they sought formal certification—an objective benchmark to confirm they were on the right track.
The Strategy: Becoming an Early Adopter of LOCS:23 Certification
Determined to lead the way in GDPR compliance, 36 Group set out to become the first barristers’ chambers in London to achieve LOCS:23 certification.
LOCS:23 is the first sector-specific GDPR certification standard for the legal sector, approved by the ICO and UKAS. It has been specifically developed to enable law firms and barristers’ chambers to meet their UK GDPR obligations, and evidence to clients that their data is protected to the highest recognised standard.
By achieving this certification, the chambers hoped to:
- Validate their existing compliance measures.
- Strengthen client trust through demonstrable data protection standards.
- Position themselves as a preferred choice for organisations, such as local authorities, that increasingly require proof of compliance when tendering work.
The Partnership: How Briefed Guided 36 Group to Success
36 Group partnered with Briefed as their dedicated LOCS:23 certification partner, where we guided them through the entire LOCS:23 process. Our support included:
- Conducting a deep-dive gap analysis of their data governance framework.
- Providing a clear, actionable plan to address compliance gaps.
- Delivering LOCS-compliant training to ensure all members met the required standards.
- Offering continuous support throughout the implementation and auditing phase to facilitate a smooth certification process.
- Follow-on advice and support on annual surveillance audits, supporting chambers with long-term adherence to the standard.
Rowan Caffull, CEO at 36 Group, stressed the value of Briefed’s support and expertise, particularly from our in-house barrister, Ben Murphy:
“Having Briefed on board has really helped us to navigate our way through the process in a calm and easy manner.“Ben's role in the process has been described as him being a translator for the process and actually, that's completely right. We get these documents where there's huge swathes of information that a lot of it, I don't understand. Ben was able to just distil it into really key information for us so that we understand what we need to do and what the action is out of that.”
The Achievement: Pioneering GDPR Compliance in the Legal Sector
Through their partnership with Briefed, 36 Group successfully became the first set in London to achieve LOCS:23 certification. This major achievement positions them as pioneers in GDPR compliance within the legal sector, and provides them with multiple benefits, including:
- Strengthened data protection measures, reducing the risk of breaches.
- Increased assurance and client confidence in handling highly sensitive information.
- A competitive edge as law firms and local authorities begin to require proof of compliance.
- Confirmation that their GDPR efforts are being made in the correct areas
Beyond the certification itself, Rowan emphasised the inherent value of the process:
“But frankly, it was really positive. And it's helped us massively understand both the importance of GDPR internally and the policy around everything that we do, but has also given us a real insight into some of the more nitty-gritty areas of IT infrastructure, which I thought we were quite clued up on before, but post-process has really helped us to develop that knowledge.”
Interested in commencing your LOCS:23 Journey?
Our in-house barristers are LOCS:23 consultants with extensive experience helping clients prepare for and pass the certification.
As a team of LOCS:23 specialists, we have a proven track record of success, assisting 36 Group and guiding other clients like 30 Park Place and Muckle LLP to a successful LOCS:23 certification. We have also undertaken the certification ourselves, successfully achieving LOCS:23 certification as a legal services supplier. This firsthand experience gives us unmatched insight into the requirements, challenges, and best practices needed for success.
Get in touch today and our team will assist you in assessing your current compliance levels against the LOCS:23 standard.