GDPR consultant: role, missions and added value for your company

In a world where the protection of personal data has become a major concern, the role of the GDPR consultant has grown considerably. But what exactly does this professional do, and how can he or she help your company comply with the General Data Protection Regulation? Let's discover together the contours of this essential function and how quality support can transform a regulatory constraint into a real business asset.

What is a GDPR consultant?

A GDPR consultant is a professional specialised in helping companies comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. His expertise covers all aspects of personal data protection, from the initial audit to the implementation of sustainable processes.

What's the difference between a GDPR consultant, a GDPR referent and a DPO?

When an organization embarks on a GDPR compliance process, several players may be mobilized. Although their missions may overlap, their status, responsibilities and levels of commitment differ. Here's a clear update on their respective roles.

The GDPR consultant

Status: External service provider or employee mobilized for a one-off assignment.

Role: Expert in charge of supporting the organization in its GDPR compliance. He often intervenes upstream or in support of the DPO, to structure or accelerate the procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a GDPR compliance audit.
• Draft regulatory documentation (data processing register, privacy policies, legal notices, etc.).
• Provide strategic and operational advice tailored to the business.
• Provide in-house training and awareness-raising sessions.
  

Special feature: The consultant has no official status in the GDPR. He acts as an external support to implement best practices.

The DPO (Data Protection Officer)

Status: Internal or external, but officially designated by the organization. Its role is defined and framed by Articles 37 to 39 of the GDPR.
Role: A central player in the governance of personal data, it ensures ongoing compliance and acts as an interface with the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties)

Responsibilities:

• Inform and advise the data controller or processor.
• Monitor compliance with GDPR and internal policies.
• Supporting privacy impact assessments(PIA).
• Cooperate with the supervisory authority (the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties) in France).

Special feature:

• The DPO enjoys functional independence and statutory protection (no conflict of interest).
• Its designation is mandatory in certain cases: large-scale processing, sensitive data, public entity, etc.

The GDPR referent

Status: Internal employee of the organization. This role is not framed by the GDPR and remains optional.
Role: Acts as the operational point of contact for teams on data protection-related matters.
Responsibilities:

• Relay the DPO's or consultant's instructions to the teams.
• Participate in employee awareness-raising and training.
• Ensure compliance with best practices on a daily basis.

Special feature: It does not replace the DPO, but can act as an effective local relay, particularly in decentralized structures or multi-site groups.

The main tasks of a GDPR consultant

A GDPR consultant supports companies in several key areas:

1. Compliance audit and development of an action plan

The first step is to carry out an in-depth audit of the company's personal data processing practices.

This audit is usually based on a detailed questionnaire, which provides detailed information on activities, systems and internal processes.

The aim is to identify GDPR compliance gaps, assess the risks associated with data protection, and define a prioritized action plan to correct non-compliances and strengthen processing security.

2. Drafting of legal documents

The consultant helps produce all the documents required by the regulations:

• Privacy policy
• Register of processing activities
• Cookie policy
• HR documents related to data protection
• processors inventory

3. Employee awareness and training

A crucial aspect that is often overlooked is team awareness. The GDPR consultant organizes training sessions to ensure that every employee understands the challenges of data protection and adopts good practices on a daily basis.

4. processors audit

Every company is responsible for the data it entrusts to its processors. The consultant checks that the latter also comply with the GDPR and puts in place the appropriate contractual clauses.

5. Assistance with calls for tender

For companies responding to calls for tender, the GDPR consultant provides expertise to meet the compliance requirements that are increasingly associated with it.

6. Contingency management

In the event of a data breach, control by the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties) or requests from data subjects to exercise their rights, the GDPR consultant assists the company to react appropriately and in compliance with the regulations.

7. Monitoring Data retention retention periods

The consultant ensures that Data retention periods are respected, by implementing archiving and deletion procedures that comply with legal requirements.

Why choose a GDPR consultant with a solid legal background?

The GDPR is a complex legal text, at the crossroads of digital law, contract law, labor law and European case law. It's not just a matter of applying a checklist, but ofinterpreting legal rules, assessing legal risks and producing enforceable documents.

A GDPR consultant with a solid legal background has the essential background to :

• interpret the grey areas of the GDPR rigorously, in the light of case law and recommendations from the authorities ;
• anticipate legislative and regulatory changes;
• analyze risks in the event of litigation or control ;
• provide advice tailored to the specific requirements of each sector (healthcare, finance, HR, etc.).

Conversely, calling in a GDPR consultant or DPO with no legal training is a bit like entrusting your health to someone who has undergone two weeks' training to become a doctor: they may be able to recognize a few symptoms, but when faced with a tricky situation, the wrong diagnosis is almost inevitable - with serious consequences.

The Dipeeo approach: An all-in-one GDPR solution, designed by lawyers, tailored for ambitious companies

GDPR compliance can quickly become a real headache: legal obligations, internal procedures, documentation, actions to follow... So many elements that require precision, rigor and method.

At Dipeeo, we have developed a unique approach based on abalance between human expertise and technology. This model enables companies to benefit from secure, personalized and effective support.

A dedicated team of lawyers and former lawyers

Our clients are looked after by a dedicated lawyer or e.g, specialised in digital law and new technologies. Like a new colleague, he or she takes charge of your GDPR compliance from A to Z and supports you on a daily basis: 

• Proofreading GDPR clauses in your contracts.
• Managing people's rights 

• Support for audits and tenders
• Product consulting and innovation 
• Choice of compliant tools or service providers
• Contingency management (complaints, inspections, data breaches, etc.)

A technology platform as a basis for collaboration

Our digital platform is not a substitute for human expertise: it is its common foundation. It enables seamless collaboration between our lawyers and our clients, centralizing all compliance-related actions and documents.

 In particular, it allows you to :

• save precious time on administrative tasks,
• centralize and structure all compliance documents,
• monitor progress in real time,
• benefit from a clear, intuitive and customizable dashboard.
  

At Dipeeo, we believe that compliance must be serious without being cumbersome, and that technology, properly used, is a real lever for making data protection simpler, clearer and more effective.

The tangible benefits of high-quality GDPR support

Well-structured GDPR support does more than just avoid penalties. It is a real strategic lever for the company. Here are the main benefits:

 1. Legal security

Compliance protects the company against financial, regulatory and reputational risks. Failure to comply can result in penalties of up to 20 million euros or 4% of worldwide sales. High-quality support ensures that every stage of the process is secure, and limits risks in the event of inspections or litigation.

 2. Competitive advantage

Being GDPR is becoming a key selection criterion for many principals, clients and partners. It's a decisive asset in calls for tender, particularly in sensitive or regulated sectors.

✔️ Stand out from the competition
✔️ Meet growing market demands

3. Save time for your teams

Outsourcing GDPR compliance allows in-house teams to focus on their core business, while ensuring professional and rigorous management of personal data.

 4. Enhanced trust and image

A company that manages data in a transparent and compliant way inspires confidence in its clients, partners and employees. This enhances your brand image, raises awareness in your ecosystem, and establishes your credibility over the long term.

✔️ Build trust
✔️ Enhance your reputation
✔️ Create a responsible data culture

How do you choose your GDPR consultant?

To select the right GDPR consultant, here are some essential criteria to consider:

• Training and expertise: Choose consultants with solid legal training
• Sector experience: Certain sectors (healthcare, finance, etc.) have specific characteristics that you need to be familiar with.
• Customized support: Each company has different needs that require a personalized approach
• Tools and methodology: The availability of technological tools simplifies compliance management
• Availability and responsiveness: GDPR requires long-term support and the ability to react quickly to unforeseen events.

Conclusion: turning GDPR constraints into opportunities

Far from being a mere regulatory obligation, GDPR compliance represents a genuine opportunity for companies to rethink their approach to personal data. With the support of a qualified GDPR expert with solid legal training and appropriate technological tools, this approach becomes a lever of trust and differentiation.

At Dipeeo, we're convinced that the alliance between legal expertise and digital platform is the key to successful, long-term GDPR compliance. On a daily basis, our team of legal experts and former lawyers supports companies in this transformation, backed by a technology platform that simplifies and automates processes.

Don't expect the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties) to comply. Turn this regulatory obligation into a strategic asset for your company.