In this episode we get to grips with the new General Data Protection Regulation. Host Michael Bird is joined by Softcat’s data management business manager Katie Efde, information security officer Mark Overton and Graham Charlton, Softcat’s CFO. They go right back to basics and look at how the GDPR differs from the old data protection guidance and exactly what organisations need to do in order to comply with GDPR and avoid hefty fines. They also consider how Brexit may affect the regulation as well as the benefits to organisations and individuals.

The GDPR is a change to improve how organisations look after individuals’ data and compliance is essential. It has been brought in to improve peoples’ rights of privacy.
The consequences of getting data protection wrong have significantly increased with fines of up to 4% of annual turnover or €20m. But the ICO is not looking to put organisations out of business, fines will be proportionate to the size and nature of the business.
GDPR compliance will require support from people across your organisation. It is important, however, to get the right person with the right support to take responsibility for it.
There are critical questions to consider before tackling the GDPR; you’ll need to look at how your organisation uses the data you have, what exactly the data is, where it’s been collected and stored and how you’ll put in place appropriate safeguards to protect it.
There are benefits that all organisations will see as a result of GDPR compliance - improving data management will increase the ability to analyse and use that data. Storage costs will also decrease, which minimises the risk of a data breach as well.