Ivan Spiteri
Director of Technology Advisory & Assurance
Helping Organisations Meet Data Protection Obligations
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of the most significant privacy laws in recent history, setting strict requirements for organisations that handle personal data. It applies to businesses within the EU as well as those outside the EU that offer goods or services to individuals in the region or process their data. Non-compliance can result in regulatory penalties, reputational risks, and operational challenges.
At BDO Malta, we help organisations understand their GDPR obligations and implement practical, risk-based solutions to ensure compliance while minimising disruptions.
How We Support Your GDPR Compliance
Our approach begins with assessing your organisation’s compliance status, followed by the development and execution of a remediation plan. Each plan is tailored to address specific business needs while aligning with GDPR requirements.
1. GDPR Readiness & Compliance Assessment
We evaluate your current data protection practices and identify gaps in compliance. Our services include:
- GDPR Readiness Assessment – Reviewing policies, processes, and systems to assess compliance levels.
- Data Mapping & Flow Analysis – Identifying where and how personal data is collected, stored, and processed.
- Article 30 Register Development & Management – Ensuring organisations maintain accurate records of processing activities.
- Legal Basis & Data Audit (Articles 6 & 9) – Assessing the lawful basis for data processing activities.
- Incident Response Planning & Testing – Preparing for potential data breaches and regulatory reporting obligations.
- Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) & Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) – Identifying and mitigating risks in data processing activities.
- Information Security Assessments – Evaluating cybersecurity measures to protect personal data.
- Privacy Program Advisory – Developing a structured privacy governance framework.
2. Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) Services (Articles 37-39)
Certain organisations are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). BDO Malta provides outsourced DPO services to help businesses meet this obligation efficiently. Our support includes:
- DPO Setup & Business Alignment – Ensuring the DPO role integrates with organisational objectives.
- DPO Support & Compliance Monitoring – Acting as an independent advisor for GDPR-related matters.
- Liaison with Regulatory Authorities – Managing interactions with the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC).
3. GDPR Remediation & Implementation
Once gaps are identified, we assist with the implementation of GDPR-compliant processes and policies, including:
- Data Minimisation & Retention Policies – Ensuring organisations only collect necessary data and retain it for appropriate periods.
- Data Erasure & Classification – Implementing procedures for managing data deletion and classification.
- Employee Training & Awareness – Educating staff on GDPR requirements and best practices.
- Privacy Policies, Notices & Procedures – Drafting documentation to meet regulatory requirements.
- Privacy by Design & Default – Embedding data protection principles into business operations.
- Technical Controls Implementation – Strengthening security measures to protect personal data.
- Third-Party Processor Due Diligence – Assessing and remediating risks associated with external data processors.
- Review of Privacy Agreements & Clauses – Ensuring contracts align with GDPR requirements.
- Data Breach Response & Notification Planning – Establishing procedures for handling and reporting data breaches.
- International Data Transfers Compliance – Developing policies for cross-border data transfers.
Why Choose BDO Malta?
Our team brings expertise in privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, providing practical solutions to meet GDPR requirements. Whether your organisation requires a full GDPR compliance framework, a one-time assessment, or ongoing support, we help ensure that data protection remains a business priority.