UK Data Protection Foundations Course

Included in Plus Delivery: 100% online Approximately 47 minutes of video, plus assessment Certificate on Completion

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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.

Your team will learn the data protection principles, recognise phishing attacks, and handle personal data safely in their daily work.

Learning with us

Course preview listing the seven UK data protection principles beside a shield illustration

Special category data and processing safeguards

Recognising and escalating a subject access request

UK Data Protection Foundations course slide 7

Why learn data protection foundations?

Support compliance — build staff awareness of data protection responsibilities
Reduce risk — learn practical steps to help prevent data breaches
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

Approximately 47 minutes of video, including the welcome and legal notices, plus time for the assessment.

UK-Focused

Based on UK GDPR and guidance from the ICO and NCSC.

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.

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

Section 1: Understanding Data Protection

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
The Data Protection Principles
Recognising & Handling Personal Data

Section 2: Cyber Security Essentials

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
Spotting Phishing & Social Engineering

Section 3: Safe Working Practices

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
Keeping Data Safe Day-to-Day

Section 4: Assessment

The final section recaps the key takeaways from the course and includes a quiz to test your understanding.

Lessons

Summary & Final Quiz

How it works

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Start learning

Work through the video lessons and final assessment. On completion of the course you'll be issued with a certificate.

Step 3

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
7 video teaching lessons
Final quiz assessment (10 questions)

Updates

Access to all course material updates for the length of your access period

Certification

Certificate on completion
70% pass mark required

Course FAQs

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, on completion of the course you will be issued with a digital certificate. Your certificate will be issued immediately after the final assessment is passed and you have marked the course as complete. You can add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile.

Can I buy multiple seats?

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.

Is there a money back guarantee?

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.

What is UK GDPR?

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.

Who is this course designed for?

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.

Does this cover cyber security too?

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.

What are the 7 data protection principles?

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.

How long do I have access to the course?

You have access to the course materials for six 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.