Personal data breaches are becoming an increasingly costly reality for organisations. Research by DLA Piper found a 22% year-on-year increase in reported personal data breaches, equivalent to around 443 notifications every day. At the same time, regulators issued approximately £1.06 billion in fines during 2025, demonstrating that enforcement activity remains high and that organisations are expected to take their data protection obligations seriously.
While cyber-attacks often dominate headlines, many personal data incidents stem from something far more commonplace: human error. An email sent to the wrong recipient, inappropriate access to information, insecure document handling, or a failure to recognise and report a breach can all have significant consequences. As organisations process growing volumes of personal data across increasingly complex systems, staff need a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the practical steps required to protect information.
This is why data protection training has become a critical component of effective compliance. When regulators investigate a breach, they frequently examine the organisation’s training programme and records to understand what guidance staff received, when it was delivered, and whether it was relevant to their role. Training not only helps reduce the likelihood of mistakes but also promotes a culture in which employees recognise risks, follow established processes, and understand the importance of safeguarding personal information.
What should organisations have in place?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is clear that organisations should provide ongoing data protection training for all staff who handle personal information and ensure that training reflects the specific responsibilities of different roles. The ICO also recommends that organisations provide induction training for new starters, regular refresher training, and periodically assess the effectiveness of their programme to ensure that knowledge remains current and relevant.
Effective programmes should therefore include:
- Mandatory data protection training for all staff on at least an annual basis.
- Role-specific training that reflects the type of personal data employees handle and the risks associated with their responsibilities.
- Induction training for new starters before they are given access to personal information.
- Regular refresher training, testing, and awareness activities to reinforce learning and demonstrate ongoing compliance.
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Training content should also remain up to date and reflect the evolving UK data protection landscape, including the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
How Hope & May can help
At Hope & May, we help organisations build practical, effective data protection training programmes that go beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements. Our bespoke training solutions are designed around your organisation’s specific risks, objectives, and workforce needs.
We offer a comprehensive V-Learning platform providing on-demand training for staff members at every level, from volunteers to directors. We also offer live training sessions delivered online or in person, customised to your organisation’s operations and requirements.
Whether you are establishing a new training programme or enhancing an existing one, we can help ensure your staff have the knowledge and confidence to handle personal data responsibly.
For more information, please contact us.
