Do you have a clear plan for improving your data protection compliance capability?
From customer information to patient health records, we’re storing more data than ever before. Protecting and managing that data can be a huge challenge, especially with the likes of GDPR and other data privacy laws. One area we’ve found to be continuously overlooked is developing capability and competency in effectively managing data protection. Data protection compliance can feel overwhelming to staff, more so if they don’t have the right skillset and experience for their role. The challenge doesn’t stop there. Many businesses and organisations struggle to measure the effectiveness of their training programmes. Without a clear assessment framework, the risk of falling short of GDPR compliance requirements increases.
To address this challenge, we are introducing the Data Protection Training Maturity Benchmark – a structured framework that helps organisations evaluate and benchmark their data protection training efforts, with tools to support you in creating a clear improvement plan that is proportionate to your needs.
What is the Data Protection Training Maturity Benchmark?
This model is designed to assist businesses and organisation’s of all shapes and sizes in assessing their data privacy training and compliance practices. This includes SMEs, corporates, third sector and public sector organisations. It provides a structured way to evaluate training across seven key benchmarks:
Essential All-Staff Training (EAST) – Ensuring employees understand their responsibilities in handling personal data.
Induction Training (INDT) – Training new employees on compliance from day one.
Refresher Training (REFT) – Keeping staff updated with training re-enforcement and changes in the legislative/legal precedent landscape.
Specialised Roles (SPRO) – Addressing the needs of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and other key personnel.
Training Monitoring (TRMO) – Monitoring training impact and ensuring it evolves with changing regulations.
Leadership Commitment (LDCM) – Promoting leadership involvement in corporate data protection training.
Resource Allocation (RSAL) – Ensuring adequate funding and resources for a sustainable training strategy.
Who should use this data protection training assessment model?
The Data Protection Training Maturity Benchmark is ideal for:
- SMEs and large enterprises looking to strengthen compliance frameworks.
- HR and compliance teams managing training programmes.
- Data Protection Officers (DPOs) responsible for ensuring ongoing data security awareness and distribution of key data protection skills.
- Public sector organisations that need structured approaches to compliance.
How to use this data protection training competency model
Using the model to assess your data protection competency is simple and effective. Follow these steps to assess your organisation’s maturity level:
- Download the free PDF – Get a copy of the Data Protection Training Maturity Benchmark to guide your assessment.
- Evaluate Your Current Data Protection Training Maturity – Use the benchmarks to rate your maturity level: Deficient, Basic, Enhanced, or Gold Star.
- Conduct Internal Audits & Staff Surveys – Gather feedback through structured employee data protection training surveys.
- Visualise Your Benchmarks – Use tools like radar charts to identify strengths and weaknesses in training initiatives.
- Create an Action Plan – Develop a roadmap for improvement based on your self-assessment.
Why This Model Matters for Organisations
Failing to invest in structured data protection certification and training can lead to GDPR fines, reputational damage, and data breaches. By adopting this model, organisations can:
Ensure regulatory compliance – Meet UK GDPR and industry standards.
Reduce data security risks – Equip employees with knowledge to prevent breaches.
Strengthen organisational culture – Build a workforce that values data privacy and compliance best practices.
Optimise resource allocation – Ensure that corporate data protection training investments yield measurable results.
Download the Tkm Data Protection Training Maturity Benchmark
To start assessing and improving your data protection training programme, download our free model PDF today. This structured framework will help you:
- Identify areas for improvement in your current training approach.
- Create a targeted strategy to strengthen compliance capability.
- Align your training with regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
Download this free benchmarking tool today!
All you need to do is provide your name and email address and we’ll email this free benchmarking guide to you.
