The protection of personal data is not optional but a legal obligation. With the GDPR as the foundation and increasing enforcement by the Dutch Data Protection Authority, an experienced Privacy Officer or Data Protection Officer is indispensable. MVPeople Group delivers privacy professionals who combine legal knowledge with technical insight and organisational decisiveness.
Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, organisations are required to process personal data in a transparent, lawful and purpose-limited manner. Fines for non-compliance can reach up to 20 million euros or 4% of global annual turnover.
In practice this means organisations must maintain processing registers, conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), draw up data processing agreements and report data breaches. This requires a professional who masters both the legal and technical aspects of data protection.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has become increasingly active in enforcement in recent years. Organisations that do not have their privacy affairs in order face a real risk of investigation and sanctions. At the same time, consumers are becoming more aware of their rights, leading to more requests for access, rectification and erasure of data.
An experienced Privacy Officer or DPO brings structure to your privacy programme, advises the organisation on data processing activities, acts as the contact point for the supervisory authority and ensures that privacy by design and privacy by default are embedded in your processes and systems.
Ensuring adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation
Conducting impact assessments and maintaining processing registers
Embedding privacy into product development and processes
Acting as the contact point for the Data Protection Authority
Training employees in privacy-conscious working
Drafting privacy policies, cookie policies and data processing agreements
The GDPR stipulates that a Data Protection Officer is mandatory in three situations: public authorities and public bodies, organisations whose core activities consist of large-scale systematic monitoring of individuals, and organisations that process special categories of personal data on a large scale.
In practice, an increasing number of organisations outside these categories are also appointing a DPO. The complexity of modern data processing, the increase in international data transfers and the tightening of enforcement make a DPO a valuable investment, even when not legally required.
Sectors such as healthcare, financial services, e-commerce, HR-tech and marketing technology almost always require a DPO due to the nature and scale of the personal data they process. MVPeople Group delivers privacy professionals with sector-specific experience.
Our privacy professionals hold recognised certifications that underpin their expertise.
A Privacy Officer is a broad role focused on implementing and monitoring privacy policy within the organisation. A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is a legally mandated function under the GDPR for certain organisations. The DPO holds an independent position, may not be dismissed for carrying out their duties and reports directly to senior management. Both roles can be fulfilled by the same person.
A DPO is mandatory when the processing is carried out by a public authority, when the core activities consist of large-scale, regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects, or when the core activities consist of large-scale processing of special categories of personal data or data relating to criminal convictions. The Dutch Data Protection Authority recommends that organisations always appoint a DPO, even when it is not legally required.
The GDPR explicitly permits the DPO function to be fulfilled by an external person on the basis of a service agreement. MVPeople Group delivers experienced external DPOs who are available on a flexible basis. This is an excellent option for organisations that do not have the size or budget for a full-time internal DPO.
An effective Privacy Officer combines legal knowledge of the GDPR with technical insight into data architecture and information security. Relevant educational backgrounds include law, computer science or public administration. Important certifications are CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe), CIPM and CIPT from the IAPP. Communication skills are essential for advising the organisation.
We typically present suitable privacy profiles within 5 to 10 working days. For interim assignments a specialist can often start within 2 weeks. For permanent positions via MVPermanent we manage the entire recruitment process, including assessment and contract negotiation.
Costs depend on the type of engagement. An interim DPO works on a day-rate basis, whilst an external DPO can be available on a retainer basis for a fixed number of hours per month. For permanent positions a recruitment fee applies. Get in touch for a no-obligation indication.
The DPO and CISO are complementary roles. The CISO focuses on securing all information, whilst the DPO specifically oversees the protection of personal data and GDPR compliance. Both functions may not be held by the same person due to potential conflicts of interest. Good collaboration between the DPO and CISO is essential for effective data protection.
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Lead privacy strategy and compliance across the organisation. You shape data protection culture, manage regulatory obligations, and advise the board on privacy risks in an increasingly complex landscape.
Lead privacy strategy across the organisation. You shape data governance, ensure regulatory compliance, and champion privacy by design. Report directly to executive leadership.
Lead privacy compliance across your organisation. You shape data protection strategy, ensure GDPR adherence, and guide teams through evolving privacy regulations.
We deliver experienced privacy professionals who keep your organisation GDPR-compliant. From interim DPOs to permanent Privacy Officers.
