Outsourced DPO
The challenge
GDPR compliance is not optional
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), many organisations are legally required to appoint an independent Data Protection Officer (DPO). Non- compliance can result in significant penalties, making this a critical regulatory responsibility not a choice.
Finding the right expertise is a challenge
GDPR mandates that the DPO must be an experienced professional with a deep understanding of data protection law, risk management, and information governance. For many organisations, sourcing and retaining this level of expertise internally can be difficult and time-consuming.
The full-time model does not fit every business
Hiring a full-time, in-house DPO isn’t always practical, especially for SMEs or organisations with limited resources. The cost, commitment, and recruitment challenges often outweigh the benefits, leaving many teams searching for a smarter, more flexible solution.
The service
Whether a company requires a more cost-effective alternative solution to hiring a full time internal DPO or wants the expertise of an experienced consultant, our tailored ‘ Outsourced DPO’ can bridge this gap while helping manage the client’s compliance obligations under GDPR.
Policies, procedures and processes
BH Consulting’s Outsourced DPO (also known as ‘DPO as a Service’) provides a qualified and experienced data protection professional to act as the Data Protection Officer (DPO) within your organisation. The DPO works with management to ensure the organisation meets its legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities under GDPR.
- Delivery of project tasks to maintain compliance – Carrying out compliance tasks to ensure a tailored Data Protection Framework is in place, to help clients meet their regulatory obligations.
- On-going Advisory – To provide ongoing data protection advice to deal with compliance queries and issues such as Subject Access Requests or Data Breach investigations and Reporting.
BH Consulting provide highly experienced data protection consultants to act as the DPO, backed up by our team of data protection specialists. Our Outsourced DPO service is flexible in delivery and tailored to align our service to clients’ requirements.
After an initial evaluation of gaps in current practices and procedures we prepare and implement a comprehensive data protection framework and project plan tailored to our client’s requirements.
As part of this service, we can provide a range of data protection services such as:
We can also help you comply with Privacy regulations in jurisdictions outside the EU and with the EU-US Data Privacy Framework which came into effect in 2023.
This service can be carried out remotely.
Benefits
Reduce the costs associated with hiring an internal full time DPO and ensure continuity of service
Ensure your data protection framework is fit for purpose
Focus on your core business while outsourcing your data protection requirements
Engage a subject matter expert to unbiasedly monitor your compliance
Avail of experienced senior consultants with wide-range expertise in data protection activities in various fields and industries
Mitigate the risk of a conflict of interest of the DPO, required under GDPR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO)?
An Outsourced DPO is an external data protection professional who performs the role of Data Protection Officer for your organisation. BH Consulting’s Outsourced DPO service provides access to an experienced data protection consultant, supported by a wider team of data protection specialists, to help organisations manage their GDPR responsibilities.
Does my organisation need to appoint a Data Protection Officer?
Under GDPR, certain organisations are legally required to appoint a DPO, depending on factors such as the nature and scale of their processing activities. Even where appointing a DPO is not mandatory, organisations may choose to engage one to provide independent data protection expertise and strengthen their approach to GDPR compliance.
Can a Data Protection Officer be outsourced?
Yes. An organisation does not necessarily need to employ a full-time, internal DPO. An external specialist can fulfil the DPO function, provided the requirements of the GDPR regarding the DPO’s role, expertise, independence and responsibilities are met. BH Consulting provides DPO as a Service as a flexible alternative to recruiting an internal DPO.
What does BH Consulting's Outsourced DPO service include?
The service is tailored to each organisation and can include gap analysis, review and update of Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), policy development, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), GDPR awareness training, Data Breach management, Subject Access Request (SAR) management, Transfer Impact Assessments, privacy by design, audits and risk assessments
What are the benefits of outsourcing your DPO?
Outsourcing can provide access to experienced data protection specialists without the costs and recruitment requirements associated with employing a full-time DPO. It can also provide continuity of service, independent oversight and access to broader expertise when complex data protection issues arise.
Can an Outsourced DPO help with data breaches and Subject Access Requests?
Yes. BH Consulting’s Outsourced DPO service provides ongoing advisory support for data protection matters, including the management of Subject Access Requests and data breach investigation and reporting.
How does BH Consulting start an Outsourced DPO engagement?
BH Consulting begins by evaluating gaps in the organisation’s existing data protection practices and procedures. Based on this assessment, we develop a tailored data protection framework and project plan to help the organisation manage its regulatory obligations.
Can BH Consulting provide Outsourced DPO services remotely?
Yes. BH Consulting’s Outsourced DPO service can be delivered remotely, providing organisations with access to experienced data protection professionals and ongoing advice without requiring an in-house DPO.
Testimonials
“We engaged the services of BH Consulting in September to act as our DPO. Our DPO Annemarie, understands the way in which we work and has completely adapted her approach to suit our needs. I couldn’t recommend Annemarie and the team at BH consulting highly enough.”
“The expertise BH Consulting provided to ensure we have a robust GDPR compliance framework in place was great. We would have no hesitation recommending BH Consulting to others in a similar position.”
“Make-A-Wish Ireland has been working with BH Consulting for three years and have found them to be incredibly supportive. The support we have been given is practical, logical, and most importantly calming. We would highly recommend any company to work with BH Consulting.”
“BH Consulting have been our CISO since February 2019 and we have found their expertise to be extremely beneficial. We really like the fact that they are independent and not tied to any vendors or solutions.”
“BH Consulting provide a reliable and valuable service to our organisation. Their expertise and continued guidance has been a great support to us since the introduction of GDPR.”
Why get in touch with BH Consulting
BH Consulting is a trusted, independent cybersecurity and data protection consultancy with over 20 years of experience. Whether you need expert guidance on compliance, risk management, or security strategy, our team delivers practical, vendor-neutral advice tailored to your needs.
- Trusted by global brands and public sector bodies
- ISO 27001-certified team with deep domain expertise
- Proven track record in delivering real-world solutions
- Flexible services: CISO/DPO as-a-Service, audits, training & more
Let’s start a conversation about securing your business.
