Data Protection

Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves.

– Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the World Wide Web

Whether you’re a solo clinician handling sensitive patient data or a growing team processing client information at scale, how you collect, store, and share personal data has never mattered more. The world has changed, and data protection isn’t just a regulatory checkbox anymore — now, it’s the foundation for building trust, demonstrating professionalism, and operating ethically in a digital world.

---

Data protection is more than compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — and its UK equivalent — has changed public expectations around data handling permanently. But for most SMEs, start-ups, and professionals, the legal language and operational requirements can feel overwhelming. Get the process right, and you’ll reduce your risk, win customer trust and gain an advantage over your competitors - get it wrong, and you might face a fine of up to £17.5 million or 4% of your total annual turnover worldwide.

The numbers are scary, but what’s often missing is context: practical support that helps you understand what’s necessary, what’s optional, and what genuinely helps reduce your risk.

---

Why this matters

• 43% of UK organisations reported suffering a data breach last year¹.
• The average cost of a data breach for a UK SME is now over £16,000².
• GDPR fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of the total annual worldwide turnover apply for failure to comply with any of the data protection principles (Whichever the higher)³.
• GDPR fines of up to £8.7 million or 2% of the total annual worldwide turnover apply for administrative failings. (Whichever the higher)³.
• SMEs in the UK are successfully attacked every 19 seconds².
• 99% of UK companies fined for data breaches failed to implement basic controls⁴.
• Failure to report an incident can result in fines of up to £8.7 million or 2% of global turnover³.
• 86% of consumers care about data privacy, and 79% are willing to spend time or money to protect it ⁵
• 94% of organisations say customers won’t buy from them if data isn’t properly protected ⁶

Data protection isn’t just about forms and policies — it’s about systems that respect user rights, limit your risk, and help your business grow with integrity.

---

How we help

Volant offers practical, tailored, professional guidance for organisations that need to protect data, but don’t have time to decipher legislation or build everything from scratch. Data protection can sound intimidating, but the truth is that you don’t need to become a lawyer or hire a full-time data officer - you just need someone who can explain what matters, why it matters, and how to do it right.

---

What we offer

• Data Protection Consultations – A one-off session to answer your GDPR questions
• DPIA Scoping & Support – For high-risk activities or new systems
• Lawful Basis & Consent Advice – Clarify what’s required (and what’s not)
• Policy & Procedure Design – Privacy notices, data retention, access requests, etc.
• vDPO Services – Ongoing outsourced support for small teams, clinics, or scaling startups
• Staff Awareness & Governance Training – Support your team in getting the basics right

 

All services are delivered with a strong ethical and human focus — designed to make your data protection practices clearer, lighter, and stronger.

 

 

Our Data Protection Services

Data Protection Officer Service

DPO Portal

---

References