How to Conduct a Data Protection Audit

Course Overview

Data protection audits are invaluable for organisations in assessing their current state of data protection compliance. They can identify where the organisation is getting things right, as well as reveal where there are weaknesses or risks of non-compliance which require action or changes to internal procedures.

Regular audits or compliance reviews can assist with risk management and accountability, as well as providing assurance to management and other stakeholders on data protection compliance within an organisation.

This course offers practical guidance on conducting data protection audits, and covers:

  • the purpose of data protection audits
  • how to decide on an audit methodology (including consideration of the ICO’s methodology)
  • determining what areas to review, and preparing an audit plan
  • practical guidance on how to undertake the audit, including reviews of documents, processes and systems, and interviews with staff members
  • consideration of both policies and procedures which govern the processing of data, and the practical implementation of those policies and procedures
  • how to assess processes against specific requirements of data protection law
  • who to involve in the audit
  • how to review the activities of third-party suppliers (including processors)
  • how to report the results of an audit, and address the gaps

Delegates will work through a practical scenario, and sample checklists and audit templates will be provided.

It is recommended that delegates attending this course have some existing knowledge of data protection. Those with no existing knowledge should attend Data Protection Essential Knowledge – Level 1 before attending this course.

What past delegates had to say...

Testimonials

"Very useful textbook, well explained and great workshops. Overall an amazing course and well presented."

Connor Stokes
ONS

"Very useful training. It was clear and I will definitely be putting into practice."

Omolade Oshunremi
Basildon Borough Council

"Very clear and concise - lots of good tips and some useful materials provided."

Sara Jones
Turning Point

"Great to be able to do it at my own pace, good questions at the end of each section, and very useful resources."

Harriet Jones
IBB Law

"The eLearning course gives comprehensive guidance on what is needed to conduct both internal and external audits in concise and easy to understand language. It will form the foundation of audits we will be carrying out."

Andrew Stedman
Conservative Party

"Comprehensive, clear and informative. Very much enjoyed this eLearning course."

Tracey Evans
Blue Earth Diagnostics

"The eLearning course is explicit and detailed enough to carry out a successful data protection audit."

Samuel Afeni
RSPCA

"The online version of the course was good, the dashboard/online platform was user friendly and it was a pretty smooth journey. I’ve been very impressed with the service and quality from PDP since I began training with them in 2018."

Dean Marshall
Home Office

"Usual high standard eLearning course. The depth of knowledge and expertise is great as always. Includes really good pointers, advice and things like templates to help when conducting audits myself."

Steve Alexander
Watford FC

"I thoroughly enjoyed the eLearning course - it was well paced, nicely presented and most informative. The video tutorials worked well and made the process of eLearning enjoyable and engaging."

Durham Burt
University of York

"This training (eLearning) is well structured and presented. All chapters of the module are explained clearly by the trainer, with written materials cementing what had been learned. The slides could also be revisited if needed and finally, the test questions after each chapter allowed the learner to check whether the information had been understood correctly. Excellent course."

Esther Parker-Duber
Criminal Cases Review Commission

"I found it a very useful session to help crystallise and draw together my existing thoughts and awareness. I actually found eLearning a really effective way to learn."

Molly Swann
Legal & General

"I enjoyed the e-learning as an alternative way of delivery. There was more focus on the subject at hand. Maybe this was the presenter’s style, good editing or a combination of both. It also allowed you the ability to pause the course and take in the information being provided."

Matthew Foster
Wrexham County Borough Council

"Case study very useful. Well run course, tutor explains concepts clearly."

Sandra Himmans
HSBC

"All aspects of the course were excellent. Thank you very much!"

Rick Chatfield
Civil Aviation Authority

Upcoming Training Dates

Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Tuesday 3rd November, 2026
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Thursday 25th February, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Tuesday 2nd November, 2027
eLearning -
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Thursday 25th February 2027
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Tuesday 2nd November 2027
Available
eLearning
|
On Demand

Course Trainer

Olivia Whitcroft

Solicitor

OBEP

Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments
Controllers and Processors – Handling the Relationship
Data Protection – Rights of Individuals
Data Protection by Design & Default
Handling Subject Access Requests
How to Conduct a Data Protection Audit
International Data Transfers – Overcoming the Limitations
  • Training Courses take place from 10am – 4pm
  • Facilitated via Microsoft Teams
  • Includes interaction & group activities using breakout rooms, polls & quizzes (plus dedicated Q&As)
  • Comprehensive, professionally printed hardcopy materials are posted to delegates in advance of each virtual session
  • Facilitated via PDP’s dedicated online platform
  • eLearning is fully on-demand, allowing delegates to learn at their own pace from home or the office
  • Structured around video presentations, comprehensive written materials and self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter

Discounts available

*Multiple delegate discounts available when delegates book at the same time

Classroom/Virtual-LIVE
10% discount for second and subsequent delegates

eLearning (applicable courses)
15% discount for second and subsequent delegates