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Data protection impact assessments: role of the DPO

As the DPO, you must be consulted when staff are carrying out a data protection impact assessment (DPIA). Understand when a DPIA is needed and learn about your role at each stage of the process. Plus, download and adapt our template DPIA enquiry form for staff to submit to you.

Last reviewed on 19 June 2024
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 35262
Contents
  1. What is a data protection impact assessment?
  2. When to conduct one 
  3. Monitor the progress of the DPIA
  4. Decide whether the data processing activity can go ahead
  5. Consult the ICO if necessary
  6. Monitor the implementation of the processing activity

What is a data protection impact assessment?

A data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is like a risk assessment. It helps you to identify and minimise data protection risks in order to comply with your legal obligations and meet individuals’ expectations of privacy. 

Use a DPIA to identify and fix problems with new data processing activities at an early stage. 

Do not carry out the assessment yourself

Your role as the data protection officer (DPO) is to independently consult, check compliance with data protection law, and make recommendations. 

When to conduct one 

Your school must carry out a DPIA before you begin any type of processing that's likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. 

If you're unsure whether

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