Data protection

Data Protection Services for Companies

EU-GDPR Compliance

EU-GDPR Compliance

Our data protection services for companies: external data protection officers, data protection consulting, training and further education

Maximum assurance in the handling of personal data according to GDPR

Your company can benefit from investing in data protection because nowadays robust data protection can give you a strong competitive advantage. Customers, employees and partners expect their rights regarding personal information to be fulfilled and their data to be stored and processed securely. Data protection violations can damage your brand reputation and lead to high fines. As a small and medium-sized company, do you want to avoid mistakes and take advantage of opportunities? Are you looking for proven specialists for the implementation of the current data protection requirements under the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

Our certified data protection experts at TÜV SÜD have in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in the areas of data protection law and digital data security. We support you as external data protection officers and data protection consultants and in an industry-specific manner. We offer you a selection of comprehensive service packages and cybersecurity training and further education as well as individual advice.

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WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD TO HELP YOUR COMPANY MEET DATA PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS?

You will benefit from:

  • Certified data protection experts for data protection law and digital data security with many years of practical experience
  • Comprehensive service packages and individual advice specialising in the industry-specific requirements of SMEs
  • Data protection seminars and online training courses with TÜV SÜD certificate of attendance
  • Web-based data protection management software for secure and efficient documentation
  • Dedicated client support for your organisation

 

TÜV SÜD’s External DPO Services

If you are considering outsourcing your DPO function, TÜV SÜD offers a blend of data protection consulting, training, and data protection management software to align with GDPR requirements. As a trusted partner for businesses across Europe, TÜV SÜD can help you raise your organisation’s data protection standards with confidence.

1. Certified Experts

TÜV SÜD’s specialists bring a wealth of knowledge drawn from years of practical work in data protection law and digital security. Ongoing professional development keeps them up to speed on emerging regulations, from DPIA guidelines to updated ePrivacy directives.

2. Tailored Service Packages 

Every business has its own risks, budgets, and goals. TÜV SÜD offers flexible service tiers to meet your needs:

External DPO Services – Gain expert support with our outsourced Data Protection Officer services, backed by integrated compliance management software.

Data protection consulting for sector-specific challenges, for instance, in healthcare or finance. Benefit from the experience and knowledge of our data protection consulting experts.

Cybersecurity training and GDPR awareness sessions for staff, complete with digital learning options. Gain practical data protection knowledge in accordance with GDPR with TÜV SÜD Academy’s bespoke, public or online courses including EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Awareness protection e-learning.

3. Documented Support 

Managing records is often one of the most time-consuming aspects of GDPR compliance. TÜV SÜD employs tools such as audatis® Manager, a robust data protection management software that simplifies record-keeping: 

• Centralised documentation of all data processes and policies. 
• Real-time updates, guiding you through best-practice templates for gap analyses and audits. 

4. Dedicated Client Focus 

Whether you run a small-medium enterprise or oversee compliance for a multinational, TÜV SÜD’s approach always begins with a needs analysis: 

• Individual consultations, clarifying the scope of data processing in your organisation. 
• Regular communication, so you know the status of compliance efforts at all times. 
• A personal relationship, which sets the stage for a long-term partnership built on trust.

5. Proven Track Record

TÜV SÜD has supported various sectors, including medical technology, manufacturing, and cyber defence. Clients rely on TÜV SÜD’s independence and objectivity—cornerstones that are critical when providing an External Data Protection Officer.

 

The Competitive Advantage of a Strong Data Protection Programme 

A well-structured data protection framework—supported by a DPO—goes beyond meeting your GDPR obligations. It can offer significant strategic benefits: 

•  Reassures customers and partners: By meeting privacy-by-design standards, your organisation signals that it respects personal data. That approach can boost confidence among clients, stakeholders, and employees. 
•  Preserves brand reputation: Effective governance and swift data breach response can deter negative headlines. In a marketplace driven by trust, that matters. 
•  Reduces the risk of fines: Non-compliance can lead to financial and reputational harm. A DPO helps you keep pace with regulations, making serious penalties far less likely. 

 

Practical Steps to Engage TÜV SÜD as Your External DPO 

If you suspect a DPO could be right for your organisation—or if you already know you need one—here’s how the process typically works with TÜV SÜD: 

1. Initial Discussion 

Reach out to discuss your current data handling practices. TÜV SÜD can help determine whether you are legally required to appoint a DPO or if it is a prudent step from a risk perspective. 

2. Scope of Work 

Next, you will define how many consultancy hours or which service package you need. This usually depends on factors such as: 

•  Complexity of data processing: Are you working with large-scale or sensitive personal data? 
•  Existing documentation: Do you already maintain thorough RoPA entries or carry out DPIAs? 
•  Internal resources: Do you have staff who can assist, or do you need end-to-end external help? 

3. Onboarding & Gap Analysis 

Once the scope is confirmed, TÜV SÜD’s team undertakes a deep review of your data flows, current policies, and key risks. During this phase, your external Data Protection Officer may: 

• Deploy data protection management software, such as audatis®, to organise records. 
• Assess whether any immediate adjustments are needed to meet GDPR standards. 
• Identify critical privacy-by-design measures that can be integrated into projects and processes. 

4. Ongoing Support & Training 

Data protection requirements evolve, and so does your organisation. TÜV SÜD provides continued DPO support, including: 

• Regular reviews of compliance activities to maintain high standards. 
• Staff training, both online and in-person, including GDPR awareness training, to foster a privacy-minded culture. 
• Updates on regulatory developments, from changes in UK legislation to emerging case law in the EU. 

5. Incident Handling & ICO Liaison 

If a breach occurs or a complaint arises, your External Data Protection Officer steps in promptly: 

• Offers immediate advice on containment and investigation, mitigating potential damage. 
• Co-ordinates notifications to the ICO, ensuring that relevant timelines are met. 
• Represents you in discussions or investigations that involve the supervisory authority. 

 

 

What our clients say about us 

In medical technology, the protection of patient data is a top priority. TÜV SÜD advises us on data protection issues and supports us as a reliable partner.

Albert Hirtz, Managing Director

Apoplex Medical Technologies

TÜV SÜD left a very positive impression on us. From the initial enquiry to project initiation and beyond, everything proceeded in a very trustworthy, structured, and efficient manner.

Stefan Menzel, Head of Finance

Orange Cyberdefense

TÜV SÜD has been our long-standing partner in data protection. The consultancy is professional, customer-focused, and flexibly tailored to our needs. We look forward to continuing our collaboration!

Tobias Kraus, Business Controller

Valmet Flow Control

 

Benefit from our data protection management software

Easy data protection management online with audatis® Manager

With the web-based data protection management software from our partner, audatis®, you gain security in dealing with GDPR. You save time on documentation requirements and employee training.

 

audatis manager data protection management software displayed on a computer screen

Advantages at a glance:

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Web-based and available anytime and anywhere

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Easy to use

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Document-oriented


Do you have any questions about our data protection management software?

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Data protection for your company – with us you can achieve your goal

steps in process of data protection service 

We take the time to determine your individual requirements and goals on the basis of a needs analysis. For example, before we start our partnership, we clarify whether you are obliged or whether it makes sense to appoint an external data protection officer and calculate the amount of consulting hours you need.

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TÜV SÜD Data Protection Consulting Services: What We Stand For

Your partner with in-depth knowledge in data protection

TÜV SÜD is one of the most renowned providers of consulting and training services in the field of data protection. Data protection with a seal of quality

TÜV SÜD stands for safety, quality and reliability and this is the foundation of the service that we provide to our customers. TÜV SÜD's data protection experts have many years of professional experience and relevant quality certificates. Anyone who advises or trains for TÜV SÜD is experienced and confident in their job. In this way, we offer a unique quality standard in the market. Since 2013, we have been recognised as a leading authority on data protection across all industries.

CONTACT OUR DATA PROTECTION EXPERTS

 

Our Data Protection FAQS

Answers to frequently asked questions about company data protection

What are the responsibilities of a data protection officer?

A Data Protection Officer (DPO) ensures that an organisation complies with data protection laws like GDPR. The DPO monitors data handling, advises on privacy policies, and acts as a contact for authorities and individuals. The DPO also conducts audits and staff training on data protection.

For which companies and industries is data protection particularly important?

The data protection laws under the GDPR apply across all industries to all companies operating in Europe. Legally compliant data protection is intended to prevent data misuse of personal data, which is of great importance, especially due to digitisation. Particularly high data protection requirements apply in the healthcare sector. Patient data must be treated strictly confidentially and must not fall into the hands of unauthorised third parties under any circumstances.

Who is responsible for data protection in a company?

Data protection is always a matter for the boss! The person authorised to represent the company or legal entity is responsible for compliance with the applicable data protection laws, ie the managing director, board member or sole proprietor, depending on the type of company. Advice from external data protection experts ensures that current requirements are implemented.

What role does personal data play for companies?

Personal data plays an important role in many areas of business. Your company's employees are affected just as much as existing or potential customers, suppliers and business partners. Whenever personal data is collected, communicated, stored and processed in your company, data protection requirements must be met.

What must be considered when storing personal data in companies?

A purpose must be defined for each type of data storage. A valid legal basis (eg in the form of consent) is required that legitimises the data storage. In addition, those affected must be transparently informed about the data storage and the purpose. There are also deletion periods for the verifiable deletion of data when its purpose ends.

Is a Data Protection Officer mandatory under GDPR?

Yes, if you are a public body (except for smaller parish councils), process data on a large scale, or carry out regular and systematic monitoring of individuals—particularly if you handle special category data. Even if it’s not mandatory, appointing a DPO can still be beneficial for managing data risks and building trust.

Why choose an external DPO over an in-house appointment? 

An external Data Protection Officer can be a more economical choice, removing the need for a permanent hire. It also maintains independence, avoiding internal conflicts of interest. External DPOs often have extensive, sector-specific experience and can address issues quickly.

How does a DPO help with DSARs and data breaches? 

They guide you in verifying the identity of requesters and responding within GDPR deadlines. If a breach occurs, the DPO coordinates your response, advises on notification requirements, and helps improve systems to prevent repeat incidents.

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