UK Data Protection Foundations
Data protection isn't just for specialists. Every employee handles personal data, and everyone needs to understand their responsibilities.
This course combines essential data protection knowledge with practical cyber security skills. It's designed for SME and Local Authority employees who are new to data protection and need a solid foundation in both UK GDPR basics and day-to-day security practices.
In around 30-40 minutes, your team will understand the data protection principles, recognise phishing attacks, and know how to handle personal data safely in their daily work.
Why learn data protection foundations?
- Legal compliance — UK GDPR requires organisations to train staff on data protection
- Prevent data breaches — most breaches involve human error that training can prevent
- Spot phishing attacks — recognise the warning signs before clicking
- Handle data safely — practical skills for email, file sharing, and remote work
- Understand your responsibilities — know what to do when handling personal data
Course features
Quick & Practical
30-40 minutes of focused content. Perfect for busy teams who need essential training without the padding.
Combined Approach
Combines data protection with cyber security. One course covering both essential topics for everyday work.
Current Threats
Covers modern threats including AI-powered phishing, QR code scams, and social engineering techniques.
Learning with us
Course information
Learning outcomes
- Understand what personal data is and why it matters
- Know the 7 data protection principles
- Recognise different types of personal and special category data
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
- Spot phishing, smishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks
- Handle data safely when emailing, file sharing, and working remotely
Key topics covered
- Data protection basics: UK GDPR overview, personal data, your responsibilities
- The 7 principles: Lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, and more
- Cyber security: Passwords, MFA, screen locking, mobile device security
- Threat awareness: Phishing, smishing, vishing, QR code scams, AI threats
- Safe practices: Email safety, BCC vs CC, secure file sharing, clear desk policy
This course is recommended for
- SME employees at all levels
- Local Authority staff
- Anyone new to data protection
- Staff who need a refresher on the basics
- Teams who need combined DP and cyber security training
Prerequisites
None — this course is designed for complete beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of data protection or cyber security.
Course content
This section introduces the fundamentals of data protection. We'll cover what personal data is, why protecting it matters, and provide an overview of UK GDPR and your responsibilities as an employee.
Lessons
- Introduction to Data Protection (4 min)
- The Data Protection Principles (4 min)
- Recognising & Handling Personal Data (4 min)
This section covers the cyber security practices everyone needs to know. We'll look at passwords, multi-factor authentication, screen locking, and mobile device security, then move on to spotting phishing and social engineering attacks.
Lessons
- Cyber Security Basics (6 min)
- Spotting Phishing & Social Engineering (6 min)
Here we focus on the practical day-to-day habits that keep data safe. We'll cover checking recipients before sending, BCC vs CC, secure file sharing, clear desk policies, and working safely outside the office.
Lessons
- Safe Data Handling (5 min)
- Keeping Data Safe Day-to-Day (5 min)
The final section recaps the key takeaways from the course and includes a quiz to test your understanding.
Lessons
- Summary & Final Quiz (6 min)
How it works
Buy course seats
Purchase online using your credit or debit card. You'll be able to login immediately and start learning yourself, or invite your team members to join you.
Start learning
Work through the video lessons and interactive quizzes. On completion of the course you'll be issued with a certificate.
Stay compliant
Use your certificate as evidence of data protection training for compliance purposes. We recommend annual refresher training.
What's included
Training
- Distraction-free online learning platform
- 8 video lessons across 4 sections
- Final quiz assessment (10 questions)
Updates
- Access to all course material updates for the length of your access period
Certification
- Certificate on completion
- Valid for 12 months
- 70% pass mark required
Course FAQs
Yes, on completion of the course you will be issued with a digital certificate. It will be issued by our team shortly after completion of all modules including the end of course quiz. You can add this to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes, you can purchase multiple seats for your team. Simply select the number of seats you need during checkout. Each team member will receive their own login credentials and can complete the course independently.
Yes, we offer a 14-day 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.
UK GDPR is the UK's version of the General Data Protection Regulation, retained in UK law after Brexit. It works alongside the Data Protection Act 2018 to regulate how personal data is collected, stored, and used. The ICO provides detailed guidance on compliance.
This course is designed for employees in SMEs and Local Authorities who are new to data protection. It provides essential awareness training covering the basics everyone needs to know, without assuming prior knowledge.
Yes, this course combines data protection with cyber security essentials. It covers passwords, multi-factor authentication, phishing awareness, and safe working practices that help protect both personal data and your organisation's systems.
The 7 principles are: lawfulness, fairness and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimisation; accuracy; storage limitation; integrity and confidentiality; and accountability. This course explains each principle in practical terms.
You have access to the course materials for 12 months from the date of purchase. This gives you plenty of time to complete the course at your own pace and revisit any sections you want to review.
Included in PLUS