Overview
We asked a delegate from our CPD accredited DPO course what she thought, here she gives us her reasons why she chose DPAS as her training provider. Like many of our delegates she isn’t the DPO for her organisation. She supports the organisations DPO, but as the DPO is part time, she has to deal with data protection issues on her own. Therefore, she needs a deep level of understanding.
She passed the course with flying colours and we know that with our free 12 month mentorship programme, she will be a DPO in no time. Well done to all of the delegates, all passed with 80% or more and all gained the CPD credits.
We asked the delegate some questions about the course and she told us the following:
How does the course benefit your current role?
I am a Data Protection Support Officer, this course clearly outlined where the DPO role starts and ends. The information I learnt has given me a clear direction in the way forward and has been the catalyst to increase my confidence at work. I developed an action plan as part of the course which I am now using to ensure compliance is met. We used a risk management tool which has been invaluable to me in identifying risks and determining mitigation.
One of the exercises on the course was completing an audit tool, which is the gap analysis for my organisation, using this and the corresponding report allows me to develop a project plan based on the risk areas, it also identifies stakeholders that need to be involved. I have gained increased confidence in providing advice, guidance and assurance to my organisation. I now have a clear career direction and how I am able to achieve it within my organisation.
What was the prompt to join the course?
I am a practical person and this course is advertised as a course developed for a DPO and it is to give practical skills and tools to take away and use where you are. The course did not disappoint in this area, it was extremely practical and encourages problem solving. I will now receive a qualification which evidences my continued professional development.
The twelve-month mentorship is an invaluable asset when completing this course, not only does it give you continued support as you apply all you have learnt to your working environment it also helps to develop you as an individual and your personal career journey.
Were the course materials and take away products useful in your day job?
The course materials far exceeded my expectation, the quality of the tools given is exceptional. The audit tool and risk matrix are particularly helpful. Also the amount of case studies and case law provided, the policies and the legislation book given are of high quality and value, so far I have used them every day since I completed the course.
Do you feel more confident having attended the course to fulfil your role, knowing also there is support available ‘post course’?
I feel more confident in my role and the tasks I need to complete. I feel I am much more informed about the requirements that legislation gives for the role of DPO and my organisations expectation of the role. The ongoing support will provide continued increase in my confidence and ability.
I also made friends on the course which gives the added benefit of a support network of professionals willing to help and support each other.
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