GDPR audit and personal data protection

GDPR embedded in your processes

We combine legal requirements with operational practice: mapping data, assessing risk, organising documentation and supporting controllers, DPOs and teams during personal data breaches.

Visualisation of a protected personal-data environment, controlled data flows and GDPR risk assessment

Scope of support

GDPR in everyday operations

We assess not only documentation but also how data actually flows between people, systems, suppliers and recipients.

GDPR compliance audit

We verify legal bases, transparency notices, registers, retention, data subject rights, processor agreements and safeguards.

  • Nonconformity report
  • Risk assessment
  • Corrective action plan

DPO outsourcing

We provide independent Data Protection Officer support: compliance monitoring, advice, training and contact with individuals and the supervisory authority.

Personal data breach support

We help contain the event, collect facts, assess risks to individuals, document decisions and prepare required notifications and communications.

Data protection by design

We embed data protection into new services, systems and process changes. We perform risk analysis and assess whether a data protection impact assessment is required.

Audit process

From data maps to measurable actions

01

Inventory

We identify processing activities, purposes and legal bases, categories of individuals and data, recipients, systems, processors, transfers outside the EEA, and retention periods. We verify that actual practices are consistent with records and documentation.

02

Legal and risk analysis

We assess compliance with the GDPR principles, transparency duties and data subject rights, as well as processor arrangements and international transfers. We analyse risk, the adequacy of safeguards and the need for a data protection impact assessment.

03

Corrective action plan

We translate audit findings into an action plan with priorities, accountability, deadlines and expected outcomes. We update documentation, records, privacy notices, agreements and procedures, and support the implementation of safeguards and training.

04

Monitoring

We verify completion of the actions and the effectiveness of the changes introduced. We monitor breaches, data subject rights, retention, access rights, processors and new activities, providing accountability evidence and a basis for continual improvement.

Engagement outcome

What does the client receive?

The final set of deliverables depends on the audit or implementation scope and the role in which we support the controller.

Processing and data map

A structured description of purposes, legal bases, data categories, recipients, systems, processors, transfers and retention periods.

Audit and risk report

Findings, an assessment of risks to individuals’ rights and freedoms, and a prioritised action plan with owners and deadlines.

Documentation aligned with practice

Updated records, notices, agreements and procedures for rights requests, retention, breaches and processor management.

Implementation and accountability support

Support with action delivery, safeguard selection, training, recommendation monitoring and collection of compliance evidence.

DPO outsourcing

Continuous and independent compliance oversight

We provide support aligned with the Data Protection Officer’s statutory tasks while safeguarding the DPO’s independence and the controller’s responsibility for its decisions.

01

Engagement setup

We review the organisational structure, processing activities, responsibilities, key risks and previous compliance work. We agree the monitoring plan, communication arrangements, access to information and the process for involving the DPO in new initiatives.

02

Compliance monitoring

We review documentation and operational practice, monitor fulfilment of obligations and issue recommendations. We verify corrective actions and legal or organisational changes while preserving the independence of the DPO function.

03

Advice and training

We advise on new processing activities, systems, agreements, personal data breaches and data protection impact assessments. We deliver role-based training and support teams in applying data protection requirements in everyday operations.

04

Contact and reporting

We act as a contact point for data subjects and the supervisory authority. We provide management with periodic reports on compliance, risks and recommendations without assuming the controller’s legal responsibility.

Personal data breach support

From containment to corrective action

We support the controller in promptly establishing the facts, assessing risk, making decisions and documenting the entire response.

01

Containment and facts

We help limit the impact, preserve evidence and establish the sequence, scope and time at which the breach became known. We identify the systems, data, individuals, recipients and entities involved in the event.

02

Classification and risk

We assess whether a personal data breach has occurred and analyse the likelihood and severity of consequences for individuals’ rights and freedoms. We document the criteria, available facts and reasons supporting the assessment.

03

Notification and communication

We prepare a draft notification to the competent supervisory authority where the breach is likely to result in risk, and communications to individuals where the risk is high. We support coordination with processors, recipients and other parties involved.

04

Corrective action and accountability

We complete the breach register, define corrective actions and monitor their implementation. We analyse root causes, update procedures and safeguards, and prepare evidence demonstrating an appropriate response.

Data protection by design

Data protection from the start of the project

We help design solutions in accordance with data protection principles throughout conception, implementation and subsequent development.

01

Scope and data map

We define project objectives, participant roles, data categories, sources, recipients, systems, data flows and retention periods. We assess legal bases, data necessity and requirements concerning data subject rights.

02

Risk analysis

We perform a risk analysis for individuals’ rights and freedoms, considering the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing. We also assess whether the project requires a data protection impact assessment — DPIA.

03

Safeguards by design

We select legal, organisational and technical measures such as data minimisation, access restriction, retention controls, pseudonymisation and privacy-protective defaults. Recommendations become project requirements and acceptance criteria.

04

Verification and accountability

We verify the implementation and effectiveness of agreed safeguards before launch and following material changes. We document decisions, test results, residual risks and accountability for continued monitoring.

Control areas

What do we assess during a GDPR audit?

Lawfulness and transparency

Legal bases, consent, transparency notices, data minimisation and data subject rights.

Processes and suppliers

Records of processing, authorisations, retention, disclosures, processors, transfers and change management.

Security and accountability

Organisational and technical measures, risk analysis, breach registers, implementation evidence and corrective-action oversight.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ: GDPR audits and DPO outsourcing

What is a GDPR audit?

A GDPR audit assesses actual processing against the GDPR and applicable national law. It should identify specific nonconformities, assess risk and define a prioritised action plan.

Must every organisation appoint a DPO?

No. The requirement depends on the criteria in Article 37 GDPR, including the nature of activities and the scale of regular monitoring or processing of special-category data. Each case requires an individual assessment.

What does an external DPO do?

The DPO informs and advises, monitors compliance, supports impact assessments, cooperates with the supervisory authority and acts as a contact point. The controller’s responsibility is not transferred to the DPO.

When must a breach be reported to UODO?

Where a personal data breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals, the controller must generally notify the competent supervisory authority without undue delay and, where feasible, within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. Every event requires a documented assessment.

Does a GDPR audit include IT security?

Yes, to the extent required to assess risk and the adequacy of safeguards. We combine legal analysis with verification of processes, access, backups, incident response and supplier oversight.

Related areas

Connect privacy with information security

ISO 27001 implementation

Systematic management of risk, assets, access, incidents and business continuity.

Learn more →

NIS2 audit and implementation

Cyber resilience, management accountability, suppliers and incident reporting.

Learn more →

GDPR — regulation text

Read the official text of the General Data Protection Regulation on EUR-Lex.

Learn more →

Guidance for controllers — UODO

Official information from the Polish supervisory authority about breaches, DPOs, inspections and controller obligations.

Learn more →

Ready for a compliance audit?

Contact us for a free 30-minute initial consultation.

Book a consultation ↗