The UK Data Reform Bill currently being considered by Parliament is the UK Government’s response to freeing up the rigidity of the current EU / UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The UK Government says it will make data protection compliance more flexible and innovative for organisations who are in scope of UK data protection laws. One of the aims of the reform bill is to replace, in certain circumstances, the need for an organisation to have a Data Protection Officer and instead appoint a Senior Responsible Individual.
A Senior Responsible Individual (SRI) is a person who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the UK GDPR within an organisation. The SRI is typically a senior executive within the organisation who has overall responsibility for data protection.The SRI's primary role is to ensure that the organisation complies with the GDPR's requirements, such as:
In summary, the SRI plays a critical role in ensuring that an organisation complies with the GDPR's requirements and that it protects the privacy and personal data of individuals.
Whether an SRI is essential depends on the size and complexity of the organisation and its processing activities. For smaller projects or programs, it may be possible for a project manager or team leader to assume the responsibilities of an SRI. However, for most organisations which process personal data on a regular basis (pretty much most organisations large or small) having an SRI is essential to ensure that all aspects of data protection compliance are managed effectively and that risks are identified and managed appropriately.
Additionally, having an SRI can provide stakeholders with confidence that an organisation is being managed effectively and that there is clear accountability for its success.
GDPR Rep Services include: