International Data Transfers – Overcoming the Limitations

Course Overview

UK data protection law restricts the transfer of personal data to countries outside the UK. The restriction, together with fast-moving developments to the rules, can present a challenge for international commerce, global data processing and international outsourcing activities.

This course provides a practical approach to the different mechanisms available to comply with the data protection rules relating to international data transfers. It assists delegates to understand the legal options when considering international transfers and to identify the most appropriate solution to the challenges faced by their organisation.

The course covers:

  • identifying a restricted transfer of personal data
  • the countries that have been determined as “adequate” for the purposes of international transfers
  • the options for ensuring that transfers are lawful
  • how to undertake a transfer risk assessment (‘TRA’)
  • standard contractual clauses (‘SCCs’) as a method of overcoming the restrictions, and the key provisions of UK-approved SCCs
  • other safeguarding methods for legitimising international transfers, including binding corporate rules, codes of conduct and certifications
  • options and risks for transfers to the United States
  • exceptions to the need for safeguards, including the feasibility of seeking consent, or assessing whether a transfer is necessary for a contract with an individual
  • the advantages and disadvantages of the various legitimising options in different contexts, such as regular intra-group transfers, outsourcing of functions, use of cloud providers, and one-off transfers

Delegates will assess the rules and options in the context of practical scenarios, and will acquire the knowledge needed to determine the effective methods for ensuring the lawfulness of international transfers in different contexts in their own organisation.

It is recommended that delegates attending this session have a solid knowledge of general data protection legal requirements. Delegates with no existing knowledge may find it helpful to attend Data Protection Essential Knowledge – Level 1 and Data Protection Essential Knowledge – Level 2 before attending this training course.

Attendance on the Classroom and Virtual(Teams) formats of this course can be used as credit towards gaining the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection (PC.dp.).

What past delegates had to say...

Testimonials

“I found the course materials, case studies, slides & quizzes particularly useful. The training was well thought out, well taught and detailed. Great session.”

Ayobami Odole-Akinyemi
Department for Transport

“Really good, making complicated information accessible.”

Martyn Jones
Department for Work and Pensions

“A thorough and useful course on International Data Transfers.”

Elaine Floodgate
Chartered Insurance Institute

“I enjoyed working through this e-learning. Transfers are subject I have knowledge on but this course helped cement my understanding.”

Dave Brown
National Grid

“Very well run and executed.”

Natalie Afshar
ebookers

“I really enjoyed this course, the theory in the presentations, the UK differences in the written material and the practical exercise at the end. I feel much better able to have those difficult conversations now and would recommend it to others.”

Amanda Hillman
Home Office

“The course was very informative, detailed and comprehensive. Thank you very much.”

Jason Street
Heathrow Airport

“Excellent and informative eLearning course. I found all of the content easy to follow and interesting.”

David Quinn
PhoneWatch

“Excellent, thank you.”

Kimberley Smith
Maples and Calder

“This eLearning course was extremely helpful in identifying grounds by which personal data can be transferred outside of the GDPR zones to third countries.”

Samuel Afeni
RSPCA

“The whole course brought my knowledge from zero to a reasonable level.”

Ken Wightman
IPRS Ltd

“Excellent and relevant.”

Alexandra Kieffer
Diageo Plc

“Excellent.”

Lois Smith Wightman
Herbert Smith Freehills

Upcoming Training Dates

Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Friday 9th October, 2026
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Friday 19th March, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Friday 18th June, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - Friday 8th October, 2027
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Friday 9th October 2026
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Friday 19th March 2027
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Friday 18th June 2027
Available
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)
|
Friday 8th October 2027
Available

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
  • High-quality central city venues (5 star hotels or dedicated training centres)
  • Includes a full sit-down lunch, refreshments and opportunities to network throughout the day
  • Includes comprehensive hardcopy course materials
  • 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

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