New Year, New Risks: Is your Data Protection compliance up to date?

As regulatory expectations continue to evolve across the UK and EU, organisations face increasing pressure to demonstrate that their data protection practices are robust, and aligned with current legal requirements.

With significant developments expected in 2026 – including amendments to the UK GDPR and PECR, the EU’s Digital Omnibus reforms, and a renewed enforcement focus from the ICO and other data protection authorities – now is an ideal time for businesses to undertake a comprehensive review of their data protection compliance.

Carson McDowell’s specialist Data team provides a market‑leading Data Protection Audit Service designed to help organisations understand their compliance position, identify areas of risk, and implement practical, proportionate improvements.

What Our Audit Covers

Our tailored audits give organisations practical insight into their current position by assessing:

• Governance and accountability — including data protection policies, privacy notices, record‑keeping and DPIA processes.
• Data lifecycle and lawful bases — focusing on collection, use, retention, transparency and minimisation.
• Third‑party management — ensuring contracts, international transfers and supplier relationships meet legal standards.
• Security and breach readiness — evaluating technical measures, access controls, staff training and incident response.
• Areas of increased regulatory focus — such as marketing compliance, cookies, children’s data, employee data and AI‑related processing.

Clear, Practical Outcomes

We provide a risk‑based report with prioritised recommendations, helping organisations implement improvements efficiently. Where needed, we can also support with policy updates, training, and ongoing advisory input.

Why Carson McDowell?

Our team combines sector‑specific knowledge with deep expertise in UK and EU data protection law. We deliver advice that is practical, proportionate and aligned with your organisation’s operational realities, helping you reduce risk while taking advantage of regulatory developments.

Find Out More

At Carson McDowell our specialist Data team can help you ensure that your data protection compliance is on the right track. To discuss how a Data Protection Audit could benefit your organisation or to learn more about upcoming regulatory changes, please contact Laura Cunningham.

*This information is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute, nor should be regarded as, a substitute for taking legal advice that is tailored to your circumstances.