The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in May 2018. It is an EU regulation that is being implemented in the UK regardless of Brexit and which is designed to tighten up data security and ensure better data protection. Its imminent arrival has caused significant shifts in the way that businesses view data protection, not least because the GDPR brings with it huge penalties for getting it wrong. As a result, the demand for those who can support businesses through the GDPR transition – and beyond – is significant. So, if this is an area of interest to you then the range of job opportunities for 2018 could be broad.
How is the GDPR making changes?
The regulation is forcing businesses to be much more accountable to individuals about the data that they collect and hold. So, there is much more emphasis on the need for companies to have strong and transparent systems in place – it’s no longer an excuse to simply not know what happens to customer data once it has been acquired. Other key changes include:
- The right to be forgotten. Consumers will have the right to be forgotten by a business that holds their data, which requires new internal systems to make this happen.
- Data Protection Officer. Some firms will be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer with an expert understanding of the GDPR to ensure compliance.
- Changes to consent. The use of personal data under the GDPR will require much more stringent policing of consent. So, consent must be freely given, informed and unambiguous, for example. There must also be the option to withdraw that consent at any time.
- Subject Access Requests. Compliance with these requests is not something that a business will be able to charge for once the GDPR is in place. Currently, the timeframe for compliance is 40 days but when the GDPR comes into force next year this will be reduced down to just a month.
GDPR jobs are on the rise
All of the above have effectively created a whole new swathe of jobs designed to help businesses cope with the raft of changes that will be required, both before the GDPR comes into force and once it is up and running. Additional pressure is being applied thanks to the much more significant fines that the new regulation brings into play – €20 million or 4% or annual global turnover, whichever is higher. The stakes for getting it wrong with data are now much higher, which is why many businesses are recruiting to ensure that they have GDPR requirements covered.
What kind of roles are available?
The range is broad so if this an area of interest to you you’re highly likely to find a position to suit. From GDPR Project Manager, to Data Protection Expert, GDPR Business Analyst to GDPR Consultant the opportunities cover a wide spectrum.
Who else does the GDPR apply to?
The GDPR also applies to recruitment companies as well as organisations holding information such as CVs from potential candidates for positions within their company. These organisations are responsible for acquiring, handling and disposing of this personal data in a GDPR compliant manner, in order to best maintain security and information protection for all parties.
2i Recruit have been investing in their data protection in the run up to the May GDPR deadline. They have 2 Consultants who have been on a course covering the topic of GDPR and are in the process of ensuring that they are compliant and able to sufficiently protect their candidates’ data at all times. If you’d like to find out more about job opportunities to suit you, contact 2i Recruit today on 01483 414719.
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