A Data Protection Officer is Mandatory in Singapore – What Courses are Available?
Data Protection Officers (DPOs) are considered essential in today’s data protection environment. This is especially true since many organisations have adopted digitalisation to survive the current economic environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the global economy in unprecedented ways and has proven that those that can implement digital transformation and adapt quickly can make it through today’s economic environment with ease.
Nowadays, many organisations have hired DPOs. Many data protection course have also been to help those who want to have a better understanding of data privacy. Data protection courses also provide DPOs with more insight into international regulations.
The Roles DPOs Play
DPOs monitor internal compliance and ensure that companies or organisations can process personal data in compliance with the applicable data protection laws. They are also responsible for cooperation with the data protection authority and demonstrating GDPR compliance.
DPOs coordinate with other organisational units that are involved in personal data processing such as marketing, legal, and Human Resource. In addition, DPOs also serve as intermediaries between relevant stakeholders. They also facilitate compliance with the GDPR and other applicable data protection laws.
DPOs are tasked to ensure compliance with the GDPR and other data protection laws that are applicable. They also oversee data privacy and data protection to ensure the operationalisation of the policies throughout the organisational units. DPOs often work independently, but with the full support of the upper management and the board.
Tasks and Responsibilities of DPOs Under the GDPR
DPOs have several roles and responsibilities. For starters:
- Advise and inform data controllers or data processors and employees how to comply with the GDPR and other data protection laws.
- Manage the internal policies and ensure the company/organisation is following them through.
- Raise awareness and provide staff training for employees involved in processing activities.
- Provide advice regarding data protection assessment and monitor the performance.
- Give recommendations and advice to the organisations about the interpretation and application of data protection rules.
- Handle complaints or requests of data subjects, data controllers, and institutions. They also introduce improvements on their own initiatives.
- Report any failure to comply with applicable data protection rules or the GDPR.
- Monitor compliance with the GDPR and other protection laws.
- Cooperate with the supervisory authorities.
- Maintain the records of processing operations.
Courses for DPOs
Below are some of the courses available for Data Protection Officers.
Hands-On Data Protection Officer Training (Corporate)
This course is ideal for:
- Organisations that want to strengthen their data protection practices to foster customers’ confidence and trust
- Organisations that are in the process of setting up their Data Protection Management Programme
- DPOs who need training on how to operationalise the data protection requirements of the PDPA
- Newly appointed Data Protection Executives or DPOs that are still unsure of their roles
- Personnel that are handling personal data like compliance, finance, sales and marketing, IT, and HR
A Practical Approach to Data Protection for DPOs
This course is ideal for:
- Data Protection Officers
- Compliance Managers (Part-Time and Dedicated)
- Personnel with data protection responsibilities
- Personnel handling personal data like sales and marketing, IT, customer service, finance, and human resources
Crisis Communications and Data Breach Response for DPOs
This course is ideal for:
- Data Protection Officers
- Heads of departments/functions with GRC roles
- Personnel or compliance managers with data protection responsibilities
- Personnel handling personal data such as human resource, IT, customer service, finance, and sales and marketing
Data Protection Trends and the Role of the DPO
This course is ideal for:
- Data Protection Officers
- Compliance managers (part-time/dedicated)
- Personnel with data protection responsibilities
- Personnel handling personal data such as human resource, sales, IT, marketing, and customer service
@marsy@reelmedia.com.sg Hi Marsy, not sure if we should dedicate a couple of paras about DPOs responsibilities under GDPR as the title suggests that it’s mandatory for Singapore to have a DPO? Let me know what you think.
_Assigned to Maricel Narce_
