Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services

Data protection increasingly intersects with some of the most important decisions an organisation makes – from adopting new technologies and responding to cyber incidents to launching new services, managing customer trust and entering new markets.

Our outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) service gives organisations access to experienced data protection professionals without the cost or key-person dependency associated with maintaining a full-time internal DPO.

But our role goes further than fulfilling a statutory requirement.

Forvis Mazars provides a flexible DPO service, matching the level of expertise and support to the risk, complexity and needs of your organisation. A designated partner leads the relationship, developing a strong understanding of your business and providing senior oversight and support when needed. Our approach combines regulatory expertise, practical commercial judgement, technology-enabled delivery and access to specialists across our international network. We support organisations operating under the EU GDPR, UK GDPR and other international privacy regimes.

A DPO who understands your organisation

Effective data protection is rarely about compliance in isolation.

Privacy considerations can affect how an organisation develops products, adopts AI, manages employees, responds to customers, completes transactions and protects its reputation.

Our named DPO works with senior management and Boards to understand these wider considerations and translate regulatory obligations into practical commercially driven decisions.

Our approach is risk-based and commercially focused. We help clients understand not simply whether there is a data protection issue, but how significant it is, what the options are and what action should be taken.

Why choose Forvis Mazars as your outsourced DPO?

Partner-led service

Our DPO service is led by experienced senior practitioners, providing continuity and direct access when important decisions need to be made.

Your named DPO develops a detailed understanding of your organisation, its people and its risk environment and can engage directly with executive management and the Board when required.

Experience when it matters

Data protection issues can escalate quickly. 

Our team has practical experience supporting organisations through personal data breaches, data subject complaints, regulatory investigations, complex Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and other high-risk situations.

That experience enables us to provide clear direction when privacy risks have the potential to affect operations, reputation or regulatory relationships.

Risk-based, practical advice

Our approach goes beyond interpreting the legal requirements. We provide practical, risk-based advice that considers both your compliance obligations and the commercial realities of your organisation. 

When complex or sensitive issues arise, an experienced DPO needs to provide clarity and direction. We help clients assess risk, anticipate likely regulatory concerns and determine a proportionate course of action – balancing the need to protect individuals and meet regulatory expectations with the practical needs of the organisation. 

Technology-enabled delivery

Technology should make a DPO more effective – not less human.

We have invested in automation and AI-enabled tools that support activities including data subject access requests (DSARs), records of processing activities (ROPAs), Data Processing Agreement reviews, DPIAs, privacy notices and regulatory monitoring.

Our MazBot^TM capabilities automate and accelerate elements of these processes while retaining human review and accountability.

This reduces time spent on repetitive administrative activity and allows our data protection specialists to focus more of their time on judgement, risk assessment and strategic advice.

Consistent, reliable advice

An outsourced DPO service should not depend on the knowledge or availability of one individual.

Our service operates within a structured quality management framework. Advice is documented and supported by established methodologies, with access to peer review and additional specialist expertise where appropriate.

This provides continuity, organisational knowledge and a consistent approach as your requirements evolve.

International capability

Privacy obligations increasingly extend beyond one jurisdiction.

Through the Forvis Mazars international network, we can support organisations dealing with EU GDPR, UK GDPR, international data transfers and privacy requirements in other markets, including the United States.

This provides organisations operating internationally with access to relevant local expertise while maintaining a coordinated approach to privacy and data protection.

Expertise beyond data protection

Complex data protection matters often require more than privacy expertise.

Our DPO clients can access Forvis Mazars specialists across cyber security, AI governance, operational resilience, internal audit, investigations, whistleblowing and regulatory compliance.

That multidisciplinary capability can be particularly valuable during incidents, major transformation programmes and the introduction of new technologies.

What does our outsourced DPO service include?

Our service is tailored to the size, complexity, risk profile and requirements of your organisation and can include:

• Acting as your formally appointed Data Protection Officer
• Advising management and the Board on data protection obligations and risk
• Monitoring compliance with the EU GDPR, UK GDPR and applicable data protection legislation
• Liaising with the Data Protection Commission, Information Commissioner’s Office and other relevant supervisory authorities
• Supporting personal data breach assessment, response and notification
• Managing and advising on Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs)
• Conducting and reviewing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Maintaining and reviewing Records of Processing Activities (ROPAs)
• Reviewing Data Processing Agreements and data sharing arrangements
• Supporting privacy by design and new business initiatives
• Reviewing policies, procedures and privacy notices
• Monitoring regulatory developments and emerging privacy risks
• Providing data protection training and awareness
• Reporting to senior management and Boards
• Supporting international data transfers and cross-border privacy matters
• Advising on the data protection implications of AI and emerging technologies.

A DPO service designed around your organisation

There is no single model for an effective DPO service.

Some organisations need a fully outsourced DPO. Others have established privacy, legal or compliance teams and require independent oversight, additional capacity or access to specialist expertise.

We tailor our service around your existing resources, risk profile and operating model.

The objective is not simply to maintain compliance. It is to help your organisation make well-informed decisions, identify emerging privacy risks and build data protection into the way you operate.

Data protection expertise across borders

For organisations operating in the UK, Ireland and internationally, privacy requirements can quickly become complex.

Our teams combine local knowledge with access to the wider Forvis Mazars international network, enabling us to coordinate advice across jurisdictions and provide specialist support where required.

Whether your organisation is addressing EU GDPR requirements in Ireland, UK GDPR obligations, international data transfers or privacy requirements in other markets, we can help you develop a practical and coordinated approach.

Talk to our DPO team

Whether you need to appoint an outsourced DPO, strengthen an existing privacy function or want an independent assessment of your current arrangements, our data protection team can help.

Talk to us about your organisation’s data protection requirements.