9 GDPR Compliance Services Every Company Needs

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a landmark data privacy law that regulates how businesses collect, store, and use personal data. Any organisation handling the personal data of European Union residents must adhere to GDPR’s rigorous standards to avoid fines, maintain trust, and operate lawfully. Compliance can be complex, but GDPR compliance services simplify the process.

This guide outlines eight critical GDPR compliance services that every organisation needs to protect personal data and build a solid compliance framework.

GDPR compliance is a non-negotiable legal requirement for businesses that process personal data of EU residents. Non-compliance can lead to:

• Fines and penalties: Administrative fines can reach €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover.
• Legal challenges: Data subjects can exercise their rights to rectification, data portability, or erasure, leading to potential disputes.
• Operational risks: Organisations risk violating data localisation laws, Schrems II rulings, or cross-border data transfer requirements.

Here are eight essential GDPR compliance services that organisations must prioritise to ensure full compliance with the privacy regulations.

1. Data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)

DPIAs evaluate the risks of processing personal data, especially for activities involving large-scale or sensitive data. They are mandatory under Article 35 for high-risk processing and ensure organisations address lawfulness, fairness, and transparency principles.

Key aspects of DPIAs include:

• Assessing risks related to special category data and profiling activities.
• Recommending safeguards like pseudonymisation or data minimisation.
• Ensuring compliance with privacy by design and default.

Learn more about DPIA.

2. Data mapping and inventory management

A data inventory forms the backbone of GDPR compliance. It identifies where personal data is stored, how it flows, and who has access to it. Data mapping is essential for maintaining records of processing activities (RoPA) as per Article 30.

Key benefits include:

• Tracking data retention schedules to ensure compliance with Article 5.
• Identifying international data transfers and applying Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
• Ensuring alignment with data localisation laws where applicable.

Learn more about GDPR data mapping.

3. Consent management services

GDPR’s emphasis on consent requires organisations to ensure it is explicit, informed, and freely given. Consent management services automate this process and ensure compliance with Article 7.

Features of these services include:

• Managing cookie consent and tracking preferences.
• Providing granular consent options for specific purposes, such as marketing, analytics, or service delivery, instead of blanket acceptance. 
• Enabling users to withdraw consent easily in compliance with their right to object.
• Creating an audit trail to demonstrate lawful processing during regulatory inspections.

4. Data breach notification services

Under Articles 33 and 34, organisations must notify supervisory authorities and affected individuals of a data breach within 72 hours. A breach notification service helps streamline this process.

Core elements include:

• Assessing the breach’s impact on data confidentiality and availability.
• Preparing notifications for supervisory authorities and data subjects.
• Strengthening technical and organisational measures to prevent future breaches.

5. Vendor and third-party risk management

Third-party vendors often handle sensitive data on behalf of businesses. Vendor risk management ensures these partners comply with GDPR to reduce organisational risk.

Key activities include:

• Drafting and enforcing data processing agreements (DPAs).
• Evaluating vendors’ data sharing agreements and security certifications.
• Conducting audits to verify compliance with GDPR and cross-border data transfer laws.

6. Privacy policy reviews and updates

A GDPR-compliant privacy policy must reflect how personal data is collected, used, and shared. Regular reviews ensure the policy remains transparent and up-to-date with regulatory changes.

Services include:

• Updating policies to include changes in data subject rights or processing purposes.
• Ensuring compliance with Articles 12 and 13 on transparency and communication.
• Aligning with rulings like Schrems II for cross-border data transfers.

7. Data Protection Officer (DPO)services

GDPR mandates that certain organisations, such as public authorities or businesses engaged in large-scale data processing, appoint a DPO. DPO services provide expert guidance and oversight for GDPR compliance.

Key responsibilities of a DPO include:

• Monitoring the organisation’s data protection strategies and ensuring compliance.
• Acting as a point of contact for regulatory authorities and data subjects.
• Conducting audits and advising on data protection impact assessments (DPIAs).
• Overseeing staff training on GDPR requirements.

Outsourcing DPO responsibilities ensures organisations meet GDPR requirements while gaining access to expert support.

8. GDPR compliance validation and auditing

Regular audits ensure organisations identify and close compliance gaps. Validation services help assess whether existing practices align with GDPR requirements.

Core aspects include:

• Ensure data processing aligns with GDPR’s legal bases.
• Implement encryption, access controls, backups, and staff training.
• Verify GDPR-compliant contracts, audit vendors, and monitor compliance.
• Generating compliance reports for supervisory authorities to demonstrate accountability.

Read how to conduct a GDPR compliance audit.

9. Employee privacy training

Employees play a crucial role in GDPR compliance. Privacy training ensures staff understand their responsibilities under GDPR and can handle personal data securely.

The training should focus on recognising data breaches and implementing corrective actions, adopting data security measures like pseudonymisation and encryption, and understanding key data subject rights, including the right to restriction and data portability.

Selecting the right partner is essential for successful GDPR compliance. Look for providers with:

1. Expertise across regulations: Experience with GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and similar frameworks ensures comprehensive coverage.
2. Customisable services: Solutions like consent management, DPO outsourcing, training, or vendor risk assessments should be tailored to your industry or operations.
3. Proven results: Choose providers with a track record of helping businesses achieve compliance, backed by case studies and testimonials.

Managing data across borders

Sharing data between countries must follow GDPR rules. This includes using approved agreements to ensure data is transferred securely and meets legal standards. Businesses need to monitor international data flows carefully to avoid violations.

Using secure technology

Many older systems don’t have the security features needed for GDPR, like encryption or access controls. Businesses should invest in secure platforms that protect data, prevent breaches, and allow safe storage and sharing of personal information.

Keeping compliance ongoing

GDPR compliance is not a one-time task. Businesses must regularly review how data is handled, monitor for risks, and update policies as laws or operations change. Automated tools can help track data use, manage records, and flag potential problems.

GDPR compliance protects customer trust, reduces risks, and supports business growth. By addressing these challenges, businesses can stay compliant and focus on success.