Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Masterclass

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Masterclass

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is a process organisations must use to identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project. Carrying out DPIAs correctly is a key requirement under UK GDPR and forms an essential part of effective data protection compliance.

This Data Protection Impact Assessment Masterclass provides practical guidance on how to screen projects for risk, carry out a full DPIA, and document decisions that will stand up to scrutiny. Delivered by experienced data protection practitioners, the course combines expert instruction, real-world case studies, and practical exercises to help professionals carry out DPIAs with confidence.

What You Will Learn

• What a DPIA is and why UK GDPR requires one for certain types of processing.
• When a DPIA is legally required, including high-risk processing, large-scale monitoring, and special category data.
• How to carry out a screening assessment to decide whether a full DPIA is needed.
• How to identify and assess risks to individuals arising from a project.
• How to identify measures to reduce risk before processing begins.
• When to consult the ICO where residual risk remains high.
• How to document a DPIA so decisions are clear and defensible.
• Embedding DPIAs into project and procurement processes.
• Who should own and sign off a DPIA within your organisation.
• How to review and update a DPIA as a project changes.

Inside the DPIA Process

This masterclass provides practical guidance on every stage of the DPIA lifecycle:

• Recognising when a project needs a DPIA.
• Screening a project to confirm the level of risk.
• Mapping the data flows involved in the project.
• Identifying and assessing risks to individuals.
• Identifying measures to reduce or remove risk.
• Documenting and signing off the completed DPIA.

Practical Learning

This training is designed to ensure you can apply the knowledge immediately in your workplace.

• Practical exercises to reinforce the theory of carrying out DPIAs.
• Real-world case studies explored through tutor-led discussion.
• A comprehensive workbook to support learning and future reference.
• Practical guidance for embedding DPIAs within your organisation.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for professionals responsible for carrying out or overseeing DPIAs, including:

• Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
• Compliance professionals
• Project and programme managers
• IT and information governance professionals
• Procurement teams
• Anyone responsible for assessing new projects or systems

Why DPIA Training Matters

Under UK GDPR, organisations must carry out a DPIA before starting certain types of high-risk processing. Failing to identify when a DPIA is needed, or carrying one out poorly, can result in regulatory scrutiny, project delays, and increased risk to individuals.

This course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, assess, and document data protection risk before it becomes a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Data Protection Impact Assessment?

A DPIA is a process for identifying and minimising the data protection risks of a project, particularly where processing is likely to result in high risk to individuals.

When is a DPIA legally required?

UK GDPR requires a DPIA where processing is likely to result in high risk, including large-scale monitoring, use of new technology, or processing special category data at scale.

Who should carry out a DPIA?

DPIAs are typically led by a Data Protection Officer, compliance professional, or project owner, working with input from IT, legal, and other relevant teams.

What happens if a DPIA identifies high residual risk?

If risk remains high after mitigation, organisations must consult the ICO before starting the processing.

Join the DPIA Masterclass

Strengthen your organisation’s ability to assess and manage data protection risk with confidence.

Join our DPIA Masterclass to gain practical knowledge and ensure your organisation meets UK GDPR requirements.