Introducing GDPR

Course Overview

The Introducing GDPR course provides a clear and practical overview of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has fundamentally changed how organisations collect, process, and store personal data. Since coming into effect in May 2018, GDPR compliance has become a legal requirement for all businesses operating within the European Union, including Ireland.

This CPD-accredited course explains the key principles of GDPR, the rights of data subjects, and the obligations placed on data controllers and processors. Learners will gain a solid understanding of what constitutes personal data, lawful bases for processing, and the requirements for data breach notification under the regulation and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018.

The course is fully online and can be completed at your own pace. Upon achieving the minimum pass mark of 70%, a CPD-accredited certificate is issued immediately.

About This Course

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) represents the most significant change to data protection law in over two decades. It applies to every organisation that processes the personal data of individuals within the EU, regardless of where the organisation itself is based. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines of up to 4% of annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater.

This course provides a thorough introduction to the regulation, covering its six key principles: lawfulness, fairness and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimisation; accuracy; storage limitation; and integrity and confidentiality. Learners will also explore the accountability principle, which requires organisations to demonstrate compliance, not merely claim it.

The course examines the rights of data subjects under GDPR, including the right of access, the right to rectification, the right to erasure, and the right to data portability. It also covers the role of the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland and what to do in the event of a data breach, including the 72-hour notification requirement.

Understanding GDPR is essential for every employee, not just those in IT or legal departments. From HR teams handling employee records to sales teams managing customer databases, everyone has a role to play in protecting personal data.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for all employees across every sector who handle personal data in any capacity. It is particularly relevant for data protection officers, HR professionals, marketing teams, IT staff, and managers responsible for ensuring organisational compliance with GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018.