The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may have been implemented in 2018, but it’s still a topic that many businesses struggle to understand. The strict regulations don’t only apply to companies operating in the EU, but to those who do business with EU citizens and organisations as well.
While the act itself is complex, the principle behind it—personal data protection—is an important consideration for any company. Failure to comply with the data protection regulation can result in hefty penalties of up to 20 million euros in severe instances. However, more than that, companies that do not protect their clients’ and staff’s details risk their reputations.
Data breaches and poor handling of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) can have severe and lasting business consequences. They can result in lost business, diminished stakeholder trust, and challenges attracting new clients or talent. Prioritising robust data protection measures is not just a regulatory obligation, but a strategic imperative to safeguard your company’s long-term success.
We have gathered GDPR training courses that cover the basic and advanced aspects of the General Data Protection Regulation. Some are general, applying across industries, while others look at the impact of GDPR in specific sectors like IT, healthcare and hospitality.
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1. Introduction to GDPR Training Course
This comprehensive introductory training course covers the basics of the General Data Protection Regulation. It offers practical exercises and real-world examples of key terminology, principles and consequences of non-compliance. These help participants learn how to handle personal data responsibly.
By the end of the online course, you’ll understand the nuances of consent, what qualifies as legitimate interest, and the responsibilities of Data Controllers and Processors.
Scope:
- What GDPR is and why it was introduced.
- Roles and responsibilities of data controllers, processors and data protection officers.
- Key principles of data processing.
- Consequences of non-compliance with GDPR legislation.
- The importance of data protection by design and default.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Cloud Assess
2. Advanced GDPR Training Course
This advanced GDPR training course expands on the introductory material, looking at how to handle personal data lawfully, fairly and transparently. It provides detailed lessons on data subject rights, legal considerations, data security measures and impact assessments while addressing how to handle compliance challenges. It also covers mechanisms and safeguards for conducting lawful cross-border data transfers, and techniques for managing data breaches.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and insight you need to control data protection across your organisation.
Scope:
- Core principles of GDPR and how they lay the foundation for ethical and compliant data processing practices.
- Legal bases for processing personal data respectfully.
- Mechanisms and safeguards for lawful cross-border data transfers.
- Strategies for implementing data protection by design and default.
- Techniques for preparing for, responding to and recovering from data breaches.
- Challenges and considerations in GDPR compliance.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Cloud Assess
3. EU GDPR Foundations Course
This beginner-level training course covers the basics of the General Data Protection Regulation through a collection of online videos. It covers core GDPR principles alongside actions that can be taken to ensure compliance, such as using privacy notices and gathering consent from data subjects.
Scope:
- Origins, history and GDPR basics.
- Legitimate purposes for processing personal data and guiding principles.
- Requirements of Privacy Notices.
- Data processing activities and retention of personal information.
- Consent and Data Subject Access Requests.
- Impact and risk assessments.
- Security and privacy by design.
- Data transfers and managing third parties.
- Data breaches and how to respond to them.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Advisera
4. The ABC's of GDPR Training Course
This introductory online course familiarises participants with the roles involved in ensuring GDPR compliance. It covers individuals’ rights and business responsibilities in protecting personal information, through videos, knowledge checks, and self-reflection prompts.
Scope:
- What is GDPR?
- GDPR terminology and key principles.
- Rights of data subjects.
- Responsibilities of organisations.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Coursera
5. Information Governance: GDPR Training Course
This GDPR training course looks at the impact of the Data Protection Act on IT teams, from design and development through to deployment. It covers basic terminology, the aims and principles behind GDPR, the rights of data subjects, and how IT teams can respond to those rights. The course also looks at security measures that businesses can and are expected to put in place to prevent and report on data breaches.
Scope:
- Introduction to GDPR.
- Data subject rights.
- Data controller and data processor responsibilities.
- Security, risk and impact assessments.
Cost: Free under a 10 day trial
Course Provider: Plural Sight
6. GDPR for Healthcare Course
This free training course developed by Janets UK and accessible through Alison looks at the impact of GDPR on the healthcare sector. It covers the basic history and terminology of the Data Protection Act before delving into how GDPR has changed healthcare settings and their tools.
By the end of the online training, you’ll have the knowledge to set up, manage and protect electronic records.
Scope:
- Introduction to GDPR in the healthcare setting.
- Lawful basis for preparation.
- Responsibilities and obligations.
- Electronic medical records.
- Rights and data breaches.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Alison
7. GDPR for Hospitality Course
This GDPR online training course looks at data protection in the hospitality industry. It covers the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation, consequences of non-compliance, and practical tips for protecting personal information of guests, colleagues and suppliers.
Scope:
- Identifying GDPR requirements and consequences of non-compliance.
- Different forms of Personal Identifiable Information.
- The roles of Data Processor and Data Controller.
- Steps to integrate data protection into daily roles.
- Operational tips for practically implementing GDPR in hospitality settings.
Cost: £7.50 + VAT
Course Provider: CPL Learning
8. Compliance: Regulations & Standards Course
This supplementary course covers techniques for understanding and managing regulatory compliance, including the GDPR’s Data Protection Act. Aimed at professionals in all sectors, the course covers applicable regulations, the impact of non-compliance, and steps for demonstrating adherence to legal requirements like GDPR.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge you need to manage risks and put together an actionable compliance plan and documentation for it.
Scope:
- The importance of adhering to regulations and standards.
- How to conduct a compliance audit and evaluate adherence to applicable regulations.
- The process of creating a comprehensive compliance plan.
- Methods for monitoring compliance.
- The importance of documenting compliance efforts.
- Consequences of non-compliance with regulations and standards.
- Practical strategies for avoiding non-compliance.
Cost: Free
Course Provider: Cloud Assess
Other Digital Privacy & Security Courses
Looking for more training courses to help your employees learn about compliance, data protection and risk assessment beyond the General Data Protection Regulation? Check out our other curated lists:
- Best Compliance Training Courses
- Best Data Gathering Courses
- Best Courses For Cybersecurity
- Risk Management Courses
