Data Privacy & Cyber Security

UK GDPR and Cyber Security are amongst the most important areas in which you will look to have excellent legal advice

UK GDPR has raised the bar significantly in terms of the expectations of all organisations that process personal data whether that data is under their control or processed under instructions from a data controller such as a school or university.

There will also be other data of immense value, important to the success of your business, adding to the significance of maintaining the highest levels of cyber security possible.

The United Kingdom's pioneering approach to the protection of children who access the Internet and use smartphone apps adds to the significance of this area in terms of having good data management and governance.

The advent of an Online Safety regime presents a further reason for many education businesses to spend time giving attention to requirements for compliance with legislation and guidance.

Add to this the explosion in access to AI tools and their potential to revolutionise products and services sold into the education and skills sector.

Whatever requirements you have and whenever they arise, Freeths can be on hand to help.  We've invested significantly including in technological solutions to assure our clients that we can respond rapidly and positively to issues that could cost a business dearly and place its reputation on the line.

Our data services

Compliance programmes - fixed or capped fee based delivery of required documentation and a helpdesk facility (optional). If you have concerns about the present state of compliance we can make a start with a fixed price audit of current documentation and procedures

Data Privacy Policies – for larger employers having a comprehensive policy statement is crucially important evidence under the accountability principle – ensuring that not just the business but also your people fully appreciate their responsibilities.

Data Subject Access Requests (“DSARs”)  - individuals have become more aware of their data rights since May 2018, and there has been a substantial increase in the number of DSARs that businesses have received since then. These DSARs not only present a compliance challenge but may also be the first sign of potential litigation against the business.  We provide a suite of DSAR support services to support clients, from initial triaging advice to full document review support using DSAR-trained lawyers and our IT review platform. As Freeths is a full-service law firm, we often work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. 

Data processing and sharing agreements – compliant with the requirements under UK GDPR including ICO guidance

International data transfers and third country due diligence – we can help you in addressing the complexities of securing compliant international transfers to a background of increasing due diligence requirements.

Managing major data breaches – a notable feature of our practice is our ability to respond rapidly to situations that arise, providing immediate attention and helping the client to develop the right strategies for any scenario encountered.