Data Protection Week

Data Protection Week 2026

In a world driven by digital evolution, safeguarding your organisation’s future begins with this crucial foundation – taking accountability for the data you handle. January 27th – Jan 31st marks Data Protection Week, and specifically the 28th marks European Data Protection Day 2026.

Join us as we delve into the Accountability principle and its impact on your compliance obligations. Follow Evalian on LinkedIn to get all the latest tips, news and free resources.

Download our FREE GUIDE TO DEMONSTRATING GDPR ACCOUNTABILITY.

How to Demonstrate Accountability

Leah is one of Evalian’s senior Data Protection Officers. In this video, Leah briefly discusses the accountability principle and what organisations can do to comply and demonstrate compliance.

If your organisation would like to discuss your GDPR obligations, get in touch with our friendly team.

1. Empowerment Through Responsibly Handling Data

When you act responsibly in owning your data, you command the narrative, navigating your organisation through successful compliance. How do you take charge of your data? A DPO can help drive positive change and lead a culture of accountability within your organisation.

Do You Need An External DPO?

If you’re required by law to designate a Data Protection Officer, then you need to think about whether to appoint internally or to outsource. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. As an outsourced DPO services provider, we see it from both sides. We’ve set out some key advantages to both options, based on feedback we get from clients. Whether outsourced or in-sourced, a DPO can help to drive positive change within an organisation.

Benefits of a DPO

Should you outsource your DPO?

Our DPOs Discuss Accountability & Owning Your Data

“Genuine organisational accountability is a deeply embedded cultural behaviour made possible only by empowering all employees to take care and ownership of personal data, to be the eyes and ears of the organisation and to bring data protection to life.”

– Philip Harris, Evalian

“Proactively owning Accountability activities through an organised, proportionate monitoring framework means you can demonstrate the technical and organisational measures you have put in place to protect personal data, which builds trust and confidence in your organisation.”

– Leah Smith, Evalian

2. Building Trust and Credibility:

Demonstrate integrity and build trust with your stakeholders by showcasing a commitment to responsible data handling.

It is not enough to have only policies and processes. Under the UK GDPR’s accountability principle, you must be able to evidence how you meet the GDPR’s requirements.

Organisations need to tangibly show that their policies and processes are effective and fit for purpose.

Being able to evidence strong compliance will show consumers that you are an organisation that treats protecting their information seriously.

Data Protection & Consumer Trust

“Accountability serves as a catalyst for optimising operational efficiency and fortifying risk management. By implementing meticulous policies, well-documented processes, and resilient monitoring systems, organisations can not only ensure compliance but also enhance their overall resilience against unforeseen data-related challenges.

Beyond regulatory adherence and operational efficiency, accountability also becomes a cornerstone in building trust among stakeholders. Customers and business partners increasingly value transparency and reliability when it comes to entrusting an organisation with their data and interests.”

– Alan Hathaway, Evalian

3. Security as a Priority

Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is appropriately secured. Elevate your organisation’s security posture and shield against potential threats with robust data ownership practices.

The Security Principle

Organisations need to determine exactly what measures to implement to keep data secure. Special category data needs more protection because of its sensitive nature.

In the context of the security principle, you must be able to demonstrate you have implemented appropriate security measures on a risk-based approach and you keep your risk assessments under periodic review.

The GDPR’s Security Principle

Security Measures To Keep Your Data Safe

Physical access controls

Employee security checks

Appropriate policies in place

Documented processes in place

Control who can access information

Penetration Testing

Vulnerability scanning

Cyber tabletop exercises

Ongoing monitoring & logging

4. Strategy & Decision-Making

Making informed, strategic decisions when it comes to data handling and compliance, helps support your business goals and gives your organisation a competitive edge.

Do you need to be an expert in data protection to be accountable for your organisation’s data?

Not necessarily, but someone needs to own it, and, as the saying goes, “knowledge is power”. Demystify your obligations & improve your compliance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR & overseas privacy laws.

Understanding DSARs

Data Transfers

Data Protection Tips for Startups

5. Compliance and Legal Safeguarding

Navigate the complex landscape of data regulations with confidence. By keeping up to date on the latest regulation changes and updates, you are safeguarding your organisation against legal pitfalls.

Updates On Regulations

In the context of AI, owning your data through accountability becomes critical as organisations grapple with the challenges of responsible data use in machine learning and automated decision-making systems.

As we acknowledge Data Protection Day, organisations should reflect on their data protection and AI compliance strategies.

The UK AI Regulations

download AI Act Governance White paper

DPO, CISO as a Service & Pen Testing for UK’s Leading Micromobility Company

Sector: Transport/Leisure

Service: GDPR Consultancy, Outsourced CISO, Outsourced DPO, Penetration Testing

External Data Protection Service for Hospitality Digital Solutions Company

Sector: Transport/Leisure

Service: ISO Consultancy, Outsourced DPO

External DPO Service & Gap Analysis for UK Charity

Sector: Charity/not for profit

Service: Outsourced DPO

Why Our Clients Choose Us For DPO As A Service

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Joanna Gibbs 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This particular review is for Neil and Joe, who have been incredibly supportive and patient. Evalian were recommended to us by our lawyer as we were looking for support regarding GDPR policies and processes. Nothing seems too taxing for Neil, despite probably asking him numerous silly questions. I am unsure how he does it, but Neil seems to make dealing with GDPR processes less onerous and more fun. With a brilliant sense of humous and fantastic communication skills, which we as a company value very highly, Evalian comes very highly recommended. Kudos also to Joe, who helped us find the right person at Evalian to work with. Thanks Evalian!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Katie Penfold 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team and excellent service. Alan H and Greg B do a fantastic job on our account. They are professional and friendly with excellent response times to all queries.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Emma Cain 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evalian have provided Alchemab Therapeutics with a 5 star service during a recent project we collaborated with them on. We have been running a project to update all of our GDPR policies and processes to ensure we remain compliant. Neil our contact at Evalian was on hand 24/7 providing speedy and accurate responses. Often turning around work within the same day if not the same week. The teams dedication to understand the scope of the project, provide their recommendations and expertise was outstanding. I look forward to continuing to work with Evalian and their team. It has made GDPR a whole lot easier to handle and we have now rolled this out in house with simplicity and ease thanks to Neil and his team. Thankyou and I hope we will continue to work together for many more years!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Cathy Wild 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We signed up with Evalian to help with GDPR compliance and we are extremely impressed by their services - Neil worked closely with our team to bring us up to a very high standard quickly and efficiently - he completely understood our core busienss and was able to take all the stress out implementing the set up that we needed! Neil is now our DPO and we feel very assured that we have done the very best we can do by working with Evalian.  Thank you!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Operations Team 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very impressed with the speed of service and knowledge offered by Evalian. John has worked closely with us to understand the nuances of our business and has made applying data protection principles simple and accessible for all. Feel confident knowing we have the support of Evalian for all of our data protection responsibilities.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Rachel Hart 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Evalian on a gap analysis project for my organisation. The process was seamless, well communicated and collaborative. Working with John and Neil was a pleasure, they spent time with me to explain the process in detail, understand my needs and organisation and alleviate any concerns along the way. I now have a comprehensive report with clear actions I can drive forward. Would 100% recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Michele Penzo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evalian recently supported us with implementation of ISO 27001 and ISO 27701. Our consultants - Jamie, Daniel and Ray - shared a vast amount of experience and knowledge, and gave us a lot of suggestions, understanding very well the peculiarities of our organization and processes.
Weekly calls were very useful to keep the project on track.
The 2 auditors assigned for the ISO 27001 assessment were very happy with the quality of our documentation, partially due to Evalian.
We will highly recommend company and team; we're immensely grateful for their support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Steve Downing 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evalian have been fantastic in all of their work with us. Neil is a highly trusted resource that we regularly draw upon. We've always been very satistfied customers.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Holly Bruce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would 100% recommend Evalian, they have helped with our business policys and ensuring we are on top of GDPR. Always on hand for ANY questions, really quick responses and happy to jump on a call whenever. Neil and John have made my working life a lot better, their support have been super!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Stuart Clarke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were very happy with Evalian who helped us to achieve ISO 27001:2022 certification. They had the best pricing out of the consultants who responded to our enquiry. I believe they also provided us with the best service possible. I would highly recommend Evalian if you want to certify to the ISO 27001 standard.
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Data Protection Quick Links

Cyber Security Quick Links

ISO Quick Links

Pen Test Quick Links

AI Quick Links

Data Protection Week