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Firebird Data Protection Consultancy offers a wide range of UK GDPR, PECR and AI Governance services. These include:
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018:
Privacy and Electronic Communications (PECR):
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance:
We provide data protection, AI governance and PECR consultancy services to organisations of all sizes and sectors, including:
Our services are tailored to each organisation's size, sector and regulatory requirements.
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (the UK GDPR) is the legislation that governs how organisations collect, use, store and protect personal information in the UK.
Compliance helps organisations:
If your organisation processes personal information relating to employees, customers, suppliers, service users or website visitors, then yes the UK GDPR is likely to apply.
This includes organisations of all sizes, from sole traders and charities to large multi-national enterprises.
Not every organisation is legally required to appoint a DPO, but many organisations choose to do so, to help manage their data protection obligations and demonstrate compliance.
You will need a DPO if :
Even where a DPO is not a legal requirement, many organisations appoint an internal or outsourced DPO to provide expert advice and support with GDPR compliance.
A DPO can help with your:
A DPO must have appropriate experience and knowledge of the data protection laws and be able to carry out their role effectively and independently. They should not hold a position that determines how personal data is processed, as this could create a conflict of interest. For example, Headteachers, Chair of Governors, Head of IT or Finance, and CEOs are unlikely to be suitable to also be the DPO, as they are a decision-makers.
Yes. Organisations that fail to comply with the UK GDPR or the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) may face enforcement action from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
The ICO has a range of powers, including:
The following are common reasons for enforcement action:
While not every compliance issue results in a fine, organisations are expected to demonstrate accountability and take reasonable steps to comply with data protection laws. A proactive approach to GDPR and PECR compliance can significantly reduce regulatory risk and help protect your organisation's reputation.
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 introduces new requirements for organisations handling data protection complaints. A data protection complaint is a complaint made by an individual who believes an organisation has not handled their personal information in accordance with the data protection laws.
The complaint may be made by a customer; employee; volunteer; donor; parent; young person; supplier; service user or even a website visitor.
Examples of data protection complaints include:
Under the new rules, individuals are expected to raise concerns directly with an organisation before escalating them to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
Organisations must have processes in place to receive, investigate and respond to data protection complaints.
The changes are designed to:
Organisations should ensure they have:
Having an effective data protection complaints process can help organisations resolve concerns early, improve customer trust and demonstrate compliance with the UK data protection law.
In many cases, yes. PECR generally requires organisations to obtain valid consent before sending marketing emails to individuals. There are limited exceptions, such as the 'soft opt-in' rules, which may apply in specific circumstances.
Understanding the PECR rules and the correct legal basis to enable electronic marketing communications is essential to reduce compliance risks.
The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) sit alongside the UK GDPR and govern the way businesses use:
Most organisations conducting digital marketing activities must comply with both PECR and the UK GDPR.
A Subject Access Request allows individuals to ask for a copy of the personal information an organisation holds about them. Organisations generally have one month to respond and must have procedures in place to manage requests effectively.
Organisations are not always required to disclose all of the information they hold. There are a number of exemptions which may apply in certain circumstances. Examples include information relating to:
Where an exemption applies, organisations may be able to withhold some or all of the requested information. Each request should be assessed on its own facts and exemptions should be applied carefully and appropriately.
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Firebird is a private limited company registered in England & Wales (10841251) .
Registered address 20-22 Wenlock Road. London, N1 7GU. Telephone: 01392 344392
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