New service: Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Posted  23rd January 2018

The role of the DPO

As we’ve mentioned in the past the GDPR regulations which come into effect in May 2018 carry an obligation on all schools to appoint a Data Protection Officer.

This is an extensive role, calling for up-to-date expertise on all aspects of data protection. In addition, the role will involve:
  • Acting as first port of call for contact with the Information Commissioner, other regulatory authorities, staff and parents
  • Assisting in the creation of a data processing compliance system for the school as well as maintaining and monitoring those system
  • Managing data protection enquiries including subject access requests from data subjects
  • Conducting internal audits
  • Informing and advising the school and its employees on respective obligations
  • Providing training to employees

Your options

The regulations allow for a number of options in the appointment of a Data Protection Officer. Schools may:
  • Appoint internally someone that is willing with the suitable expertise and is suitably independent from management, or
  • Recruit a new person for the role, or
  • Appoint an external expert such as Judicium to take the role on
Over the last few weeks, many of you have contacted us to ascertain whether Judicium will be offering such a service.

We are now pleased to announce that a Data Protection Officer service will be available from April onwards.

Data protections experts are a rare commodity and in order that we may allocate resources efficiently we would be very grateful, if your school is interested this service, that you contact at the earliest point you feel possible.

Full details of the service are available on our website www.judiciumeducation.co.uk or you can email enquiries@judicium.com or call Alex on 020 7336 8403.

How Schools and Trusts Must Align Filtering and Monitoring with Data Protection
  July 03 2026

Filtering and monitoring are now explicit data protection expectations for schools. Discover how to align your safeguarding systems with updated DfE compliance standards, manage data retention, and implement cross-functional governance across your trust.

Read more

Safeguarding Under the Spotlight What the new Ofsted framework is telling us
  July 01 2026

Under the new framework, Ofsted safeguarding has shifted from checklist compliance to a live, embedded culture. Discover what inspectors are looking for on the ground and what it takes to secure a "met" judgement.

Read more

The Governance MOT: Why Every Board Needs a Check-Up
  June 24 2026

An in-depth look at External Reviews of Governance (ERGs) across maintained schools and academy trusts, exploring criteria for independent reviewers, common compliance themes, and practical next steps for boards.

Read more

Summer Shutdown Risk: What MATs and Schools Often Overlook
  June 17 2026

Quieter campuses introduce unmonitored compliance gaps, complex safeguarding crossovers, and reduced leadership oversight. Learn how to bridge these operational gaps to ensure a seamless transition into the new term.

Read more

KCSIE 2026: What’s New, What Matters, and What This Means for Schools
  June 03 2026

Prepare your school or MAT for upcoming statutory updates. Discover key shifts across online safety, mental health, and more.

Read more

Employment Rights Act (ERA) update: How will the ERA impact the use of fixed term contracts, zero-hours arrangements and casual worker agreements in Schools /Trusts?
  June 01 2026

In this blog, we consider how the new protections and obligations for employers under the ERA will impact schools/trusts using fixed-term contracts, zero-hours arrangements and casual worker agreements, and how to prepare for the forthcoming changes.

Read more