Outsourced Data Protection Officer
Every organisation engaged in high-risk processing activities should appoint Data Protection Officer (DPO) – a role that ensures compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and wider data protection obligations.
The DPO plays an independent role, and is an expert responsible for ensuring an organisation complies with data protection laws.
At Hope & May, we provide a cost-effective Outsourced Data Protection Officer service. As data protection experts we can offer an all-inclusive full data protection service that gives you peace of mind that all your data protection management needs are in safe hands.
Acting as part of your team, our experts deliver independent oversight, practical guidance, and ongoing support – helping your organisation stay compliant, reduce risk, and maintain stakeholder trust.
Why an Outsourced DPO Matters
The world of data protection is constantly evolving. Without expert advice, organisations risk:
- Regulatory penalties for non-compliance with UK GDPR.
- Reputational damage if personal data is mishandled.
- Legal challenges from individuals whose rights are infringed.
- Operational strain, as internal teams struggle to keep up with complex requirements.
Appointing Hope & May as your Outsourced DPO ensures you have the right expertise in place – without the cost and burden of recruiting an in-house specialist.
When is a DPO Required?
Under UK GDPR, appointing a Data Protection Officer is mandatory if your organisation:
- Acts as a public authority or body (excluding courts acting in a judicial capacity).
- Carries out large-scale, regular, and systematic monitoring of individuals (e.g., tracking, profiling, or surveillance).
- Processes large volumes of special category data or criminal offence data (such as health, biometric, or criminal records).
Even when not legally required, many organisations choose to appoint a DPO voluntarily to demonstrate accountability and strengthen compliance.
By outsourcing the role to Hope & May, you gain access to specialist expertise without the cost of recruiting in-house.
What’s included in our Outsourced DPO service
- Independent Oversight – Acting as your organisation’s named Data Protection Officer and representation by registration with the ICO.
- Policy & Process Review – Assessing and updating data protection policies, processes, and procedures.
- Advisory Support – Direct access to a dedicated data protection expert for day-to-day queries and decision-making such as reviewing data sharing or processing agreements, DPIAs, or any new activities.
- Regulatory Liaison – Serving as your point of contact with the ICO and other regulators.
- Risk Management – Identifying compliance risks and recommending practical mitigation strategies.
- Proactive Compliance Monitoring – Anticipating changes in legislation and updating your organisation accordingly.
- Staff Training & Awareness – Equipping your team with the knowledge to handle data responsibly.
- Data Breach Management – Assisting you in a data breach by assessing the threshold and impact, speaking to the relevant affected individuals and making a report to the ICO when required
- SAR Support – Full support in dealing with Subject Access Requests, including redactions, liaising with requester, narrowing the scope and helping you apply the relevant applicable exemptions.
V-Learning: Training made simple
As part of our Outsourced DPO service, we include access to our V-Learning platform at no extra cost. This features:
- Pre-recorded training videos covering key topics such as UK GDPR awareness, SAR handling, and breach response.
- Content tailored for both general staff and specialist roles.
- Regularly updated material to reflect evolving regulations.
- Assessments and certification to evidence compliance training.
This ensures your staff remain confident and capable in meeting their data protection responsibilities.
Why work with Hope & May?
- Trusted by organisations across sectors to deliver independent and reliable DPO services.
- Extensive experience supporting clients in complex and high-risk environments.
- Cost-effective outsourced solution that saves time and reduces internal burden.
- Clear, practical advice -free from jargon.
With Hope & May as your Outsourced DPO, you gain peace of mind that your organisation’s compliance is managed, risks are reduced, and personal data is always a priority.
Recognised Excellence in Data Protection
Hope & May is proud to have been shortlisted (2025) at the prestigious PICASSO Awards, where our CEO & Founder, Mark Burnett, was a finalist for Outstanding DPO. Being recognised alongside leading professionals in data protection reflects the high standards, expertise, and commitment we bring to every organisation we support.
This nomination is another milestone in our ongoing growth and a clear indicator of the quality, integrity, and impact of our DPO services. We continue to go from strength to strength – and remain dedicated to delivering best-in-class data protection guidance for every client we work with.
