Data Protection Day, also known as Data Privacy Day, is celebrated annually on January 28th and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal data. It’s the perfect opportunity for organisations to prioritise data protection training, awareness, and culture. But how do you inspire and motivate your workforce to take data protection seriously? We’ve curated a list of the top five tools that can help UK organisations foster a culture of compliance and awareness, with options to engage employees, simplify complex topics, and make data protection relatable.

1. ICO Resources: Posters, Tools, and Guidance

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s regulatory authority for data protection, offering an abundance of free resources to help organisations promote a data protection culture. From posters and infographics to detailed guides, the ICO’s materials are tailored for various industries and audiences.

These resources are invaluable for DPOs looking to:

• Display eye-catching posters in communal spaces to remind staff of their responsibilities.
• Share downloadable checklists to help employees understand GDPR compliance in their roles.
• Distribute practical guides that break down complex regulations into actionable steps.

If you’re an existing Data Protection People (DPP) client, don’t forget about the exclusive posters included in our welcome pack, designed to reinforce key data protection messages across your organisation.

Access the ICOs Training and Awareness page

Request a Data Protection Poster from Data Protection People

2. The Data Protection Made Easy Podcast

The Data Protection Made Easy podcast, hosted by Data Protection People, is your go-to resource for making data protection engaging, relatable, and easy to understand. With over 200 episodes available on all major audio platforms, the podcast covers everything from GDPR basics to complex industry insights.

Why is the podcast perfect for DPOs?

• Accessible: It’s designed for both practitioners and non-practitioners, making it an excellent tool for raising awareness across an organisation’s levels.
• Engaging Topics: Recent episodes have covered Subject Access Requests (SARs), the Data Usage Access Bill, and seasonal risks—offering practical tips and real-world examples.
• Flexible Learning: Employees can listen during commutes, breaks, or downtime, making it a hassle-free way to educate and inspire.
• Interactive: The Data Protection Made Easy podcast is free to join and anyone is welcome to get involved, whether you are a student looking to learn more about data protection or you are an experienced practitioner, our community is open to all. By joining us live on our weekly discussions you can get ask our experts questions, make use of the live chat and network with likeminded individuals.

Check out our upcoming discussions and learn more about the Data Protection Made Easy podcast: Upcoming Events.

If you would like to subscribe to our community and join over 1400 data protection enthusiasts, get in touch: Contact Us.

3. Fun and Engaging Data Protection Quizzes

Interactive quizzes and gamification platforms are an innovative way to assess and improve your team’s data protection knowledge. Platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz allow you to create tailored quizzes with scenarios related to GDPR, phishing, and data handling.

Why quizzes work:

• Interactive Learning: Employees enjoy engaging in competitive and fun activities.
• Immediate Feedback: Quizzes provide instant results, helping DPOs identify knowledge gaps.
• Reinforcement of Learning: By repeating quizzes, organisations can reinforce critical compliance messages.

Each year for Data Protection Day, Data Protection People host a live podcast where we host a Data Protection Quiz, if you would like to check out this years quiz, click here.

4. YouTube Educational Videos

Sometimes, a quick and engaging video is all it takes to spark awareness. Channels like the ICO’s YouTube channel or other educational platforms offer bite-sized explainer videos on data protection principles, GDPR, and employee responsibilities.

What to look for in a video:

• Simple Language: Videos should avoid jargon, making them accessible to all employees.
• Real-Life Examples: Scenarios that employees can relate to within their roles are more impactful.
• Visual Appeal: Graphics and animations make complex topics easier to digest.

5. Books That Inspire Awareness and Accountability

Books such as “GDPR for Dummies” or “The Art of Data Protection” offer an in-depth yet approachable way to understand data protection. They are especially useful for senior leaders or managers who need to champion compliance efforts.

How books help:

• In-Depth Knowledge: Provide a comprehensive understanding of data protection concepts.
• Practical Advice: Offer actionable steps for implementing data protection frameworks.
• Inspirational Stories: Share examples of businesses that transformed their data protection practices.

Using Data Protection Day as a Catalyst

Data Protection Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to amplify awareness and integrate data protection into your organisational culture. Whether you’re a DPO looking for tools to inspire your workforce or a leader aiming to prioritise compliance, the above resources can help you make an impact.

At Data Protection People, we’re committed to supporting organisations on their data protection journey. Through our Support Desk, Outsourced DPO services, and tailored Data Protection Consultancy, we offer expert guidance and practical tools to help you navigate challenges with ease.

Don’t forget to tune into our Data Protection Made Easy podcast for even more insights and join the conversation about the tools, tips, and trends shaping data protection in 2025.