In today’s digital age, companies collect a vast amount of personal data – from customer names and addresses to browsing habits and purchase history. This information is valuable, but it also comes with a big responsibility: ensuring it’s handled securely and in accordance with data protection regulations. That’s where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes in.
The GDPR is a set of rules designed to give individuals control over their personal data. It outlines clear guidelines on how companies can collect, store, and use this information. While many companies understand the importance of GDPR compliance, a crucial piece often gets overlooked – employee training.
Why Train Your Employees on GDPR?
Imagine a salesperson accidentally emailing a customer list with thousands of email addresses in clear view. Or an employee losing a laptop containing unencrypted client records on the train. These scenarios, unfortunately, are not uncommon, and often stem from a lack of employee awareness about GDPR.
In 2019, British Airways (BA) was fined £20 million for a data breach affecting over 400,000 customers. The breach occurred due to inadequate security measures which risked both personal and credit card data. Investigators found that BA had failed to properly train staff on GDPR procedures. This hefty fine serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of non-compliance.
GDPR breaches and fines are not limited to large corporate firms. In 2022, the ICO issued a £78,400 fine to Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust had accidentally sent an email containing 1781 email addresses of gender identity patients. The sender had failed to ‘Bcc’ their addresses in a promotional email. The mass mail out was sent to promote an art competition for a refurbished gender identity clinic building. While this may be seen as an honest mistake, an ICO investigation found that the Trust had failed to strengthen their processes following similar incidents two years previous. They also found that the Trust had failed to implement safeguards to prevent human error when sending emails.
Investing in GDPR Training: A Smart Move
Equipping your employees with the knowledge and tools to handle data responsibly is vital for achieving GDPR compliance. Here’s how GDPR training empowers your workforce:
- Understanding Key Concepts: Employees gain a clear understanding of core GDPR principles like lawful basis for processing data, individual data subject rights, and data breach reporting procedures.
- Building a Culture of Data Protection: Training fosters a company-wide culture of data privacy, where employees are aware of their obligations and take responsibility for protecting personal information.
- Minimising Human Error: By understanding best practices, employees are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to data breaches or non-compliance issues.
Courses like Health Academy’s UK GDPR Essentials Training provide a comprehensive overview of GDPR regulations, making them ideal for employees of all levels. Investing in such training not only protects your company from hefty fines but also builds trust with your customers by demonstrating your commitment to data privacy.
Remember, a well-trained workforce is your first line of defence in the ever-evolving world of data protection. Make GDPR training a priority, and ensure your company stays compliant and your customers’ data remains secure.
Check out our our range of compliance training courses
GDPR UK Essentials
This UK GDPR Essentials Training is essential for anyone who handles personal data. It focuses on the GDPR in the UK and will help employees understand the key elements of data protection and how to comply with regulation. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your organisation is, or how much or little data…
GDPR UK Advanced (Management) Training
This GDPR advanced training is for employees who not only need to know about their duties and responsibilities under the GDPR in the UK, but for those who are enforcing, or managing data protection in their workplace.
GDPR UK in Education Training
This GDPR in Education Training is suitable for those who handle data within the Education Sector. This course gives an overview of the GDPR in the UK, focusing on its relevance to the Education sector and the importance of protecting children’s data. It has been designed specifically for nurseries, schools, and colleges.
