For some organisations, appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a legal requirement. For others, it is voluntary – but increasingly strategic.
Many now appoint an external DPO to strengthen governance, reduce risk and demonstrate accountability to regulators, customers and investors.
At Prettys Solicitors, we provide outsourced DPO services that combine legal expertise with hands-on data protection management. Whether you are required to have a DPO or simply want to enhance your compliance framework, we act as your trusted partner to protect your organisation and support confident decision-making.
Why appoint a DPO – even if you are not required to
Today’s data landscape is complex, fast-changing and high-risk. Having an experienced DPO is no longer just about compliance – it is about resilience, reputation and readiness.
This provides our clients with a cost-effective solution and the peace of mind that their business is in safe hands.
1. A trusted advisor in the face of cyber threats
Cyber attacks and data breaches are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. In the event of a breach, your DPO becomes a key resource for your board and the point of contact for regulators and data subjects.
2. Managing high-risk processing and emerging AI challenges
As artificial intelligence and automation become integral to operations, data processing activities often fall into “high-risk” categories under UK GDPR. A DPO ensures appropriate governance over AI systems, algorithmic decision-making and sensitive data handling – balancing innovation with compliance.
3. Handling data requests and disputes efficiently
Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and disputes over data use are increasing. A DPO acts as the first point of contact, ensuring requests are managed lawfully and promptly, minimising business disruption and reputational risk.
4. Supporting wider business goals
Strong data governance supports business growth – demonstrating accountability during funding rounds, customer due diligence or cyber-insurance reviews. It builds trust and reassures stakeholders that your organisation takes privacy seriously.
Why choose Prettys as your outsourced DPO
Appointing an outsourced DPO provides independence and expertise where internal resources may be limited. With Prettys, you gain an additional layer of legal protection and strategic insight.
Dual benefit: legal advice and DPO assurance
As a law firm, we combine practical DPO experience with in-depth legal understanding. This means you benefit from legal privilege where appropriate, and advice that bridges both regulatory and commercial considerations – essentially two services in one.
Strategic partnership, not a standalone service
We act as your long-term partner, not a one-off consultant. Our DPOs work closely with your leadership to embed compliance frameworks, train teams, and guide your data protection journey from assessment to continuous improvement. Our data protection lawyers are specialists in their field and have been advising on data protection issues for many years and Matthew Cole holds the CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe) qualification.
Combining practical experience and understanding of the law enables us to offer both practical solutions and legal advice while ensuring that there is continuity between the two. This is not always the case with other data protection providers.
Cost-effective and conflict-free
Outsourcing avoids the pitfalls of appointing an internal DPO – a role that can often be conflicted, too junior or too senior. Our service offers the right independence and expertise in a cost-effective manner.
Our DPO services
Our outsourced DPO service can be tailored to your organisation’s size, sector and risk profile.
- Data protection governance: Develop and maintain compliance frameworks, policies and records.
- Regulatory liaison: Act as your registered contact with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
- Breach management: Immediate legal support and incident coordination following data breaches.
- Data subject rights: Manage DSARs and other individual rights requests efficiently.
- Training and awareness: Deliver tailored sessions for HR, marketing, compliance and leadership teams.
- Ad-hoc advice: Dedicated DPO inbox for internal and external enquiries.
Prettys Solicitors LLP can be formally designated as your DPO and registered with the ICO on your behalf.
Your DPO journey with Prettys
We support your organisation throughout the full data protection lifecycle.
1. Review and assess – We benchmark your current compliance position and identify areas of risk.
2. Build and implement – We design policies, frameworks and training aligned with your operations.
3. Support and advise – We act as your independent DPO, providing day-to-day oversight and regulatory liaison.
4. Monitor and evolve – We review compliance performance and adapt your approach as regulations and technologies evolve.
Who needs an outsourced DPO
Outsourced DPO support is ideal for:
- SMEs and start-ups processing personal data on a large scale
- Organisations handling special category or sensitive data
- Businesses operating internationally or offering services in the EU
- HR and operations teams managing extensive employee data
Contact Us
We can provide flexible DPO services packages to meet your organisation’s needs – from outsourced DPO services to strategic legal oversight. You can call us today on 01473 232121 or email the team at dataprotection@prettys.co.uk for a confidential discussion.
You can find a link to our full range of data protection services here.
Join the Data Protection Hub
You can also join our data protection hub to receive regular legal updates from the Data Protection and Privacy team, including invites to our exclusive events, videos and articles on Data Protection law and what it means for your business.
Data protection and privacy team
