By Kevin Gaskell, CEO and Executive Chairman of Data Support Hub
In the age of data breaches making headlines, UK businesses face mounting pressure to protect sensitive information. However, many businesses face a hidden challenge that undermines their efforts: confusion. When employees are unclear about their roles, responsibilities, and best practices for handling data, mistakes happen. These mistakes can be costly, not just in terms of regulatory fines but also in terms of reputation and trust. The solution lies in clear, process-driven data security training that empowers teams to act decisively and correctly.
Despite robust technical safeguards, data security failures continue and usually stem from human error. Research shows that 88 % of data breaches are due to human error, not cyber security. In most cases, these errors come from a lack of understanding. Employees lack knowledge about which data handling practices are acceptable, how to identify potential threats, and the protocols to apply when something goes wrong.
The consequences of these errors can be devastating, not only leading to significant financial penalties, but also causing reputational damage, loss of ongoing sales, and a loss of customer trust. In addition, contingent losses can be substantial. For example, a leak of sensitive personal information could trigger GDPR fines of the greater of €20 million or 4% of global turnover. British Airways share value dropped 4% after a major data breach and Facebook’s 4 year long data battle was blamed for a fall of $100bn in share value.
The Data Support Hub often supports companies where remote staff have worked on an unsecured device or passed on personal data via phishing emails. These scenarios show that a lack of training and clear policies leads to mistakes. To mitigate these risks, organisations must move beyond generic training sessions and invest in process-driven programmes that clearly set expectations and are tailored to their organisation.
Compliance training, when done effectively, equips employees with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate complex regulations and safeguard data. It should systematically integrate data protection and security requirements into daily workflows, fostering a culture of accountability and vigilance. By focusing on processes, organisations can ensure that employees understand not just what they need to do but also why and how to do it.
1. Clarity Over Complexity
Data security and compliance is inherently complex, with UK GDPR outlining detailed requirements. Effective training simplifies these complexities into digestible, relatable content. For example, rather than explaining abstract concepts like “lawful basis for processing,” training can focus on scenarios relevant to the employee’s role, such as how to handle customer consent when collecting data. When employees understand the specific tasks they need to perform and the associated risks, they are less likely to make mistakes.
2. Reinforcement Through Practice
Knowledge retention improves when employees can apply what they learn. Process-driven training incorporates practical exercises and role-specific case studies. For instance, how to respond to a Subject Access Request (SAR), or identify phishing attempts designed to harvest data.
As part of the training, such practical examples embed good practices into day-to-day operations, ensuring employees develop the ability to make compliant decisions.
3. Consistency and Repeatability
Standardised processes and procedures eliminate guesswork. Training programmes should outline the organisation’s procedures for common scenarios, such as responding to an SAR or reporting a potential data breach. When employees know exactly what steps to follow, they can act quickly and confidently. Additionally, regular refresher courses help reinforce these processes, keeping them top-of-mind even as regulations evolve.
4. Measuring Impact
The success of compliance training lies in measurable outcomes. Metrics such as reduced incident rates, improved audit results, and employee feedback can help organisations gauge the effectiveness of their programs. Employees should have channels to report challenges or uncertainties they encounter.
Clear, process-driven compliance training delivers several tangible benefits for organisations:
The responsibility for implementing effective compliance training starts at the top. After issuing a £4.4 million fine to the Interserve Group (Oct 2022), the ICO stated the “biggest cyber risk is complacency, not hackers”. As leaders, we must champion data security’s importance, avoid complacency at every level, and ensure adequate resources are allocated to training initiatives. More importantly, we need to lead by example, following the same processes we expect our teams to adopt
Additionally, leaders must foster an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and reporting issues without concern. This openness reduces the likelihood of mistakes going unnoticed and supports a culture of continuous improvement.
In the fast-paced digital era, confusion is the enemy of compliance. Organisations must not leave data security to chance. By investing in clear, process-driven compliance training, businesses can empower their employees to act decisively and correctly, reducing mistakes and safeguarding sensitive information. This proactive approach not only minimises risks but also strengthens the company’s position as a trusted, reliable partner.
Data is one of the company’s most valuable assets and organisations need to treat it as such.
Recognised as ‘the man who fixes businesses’ Kevin Gaskell has an impressive track record in building and leading successful companies. As CEO of Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW, Kevin led hugely successful turnarounds and business growth. Today he remains actively involved in numerous companies worldwide, as both an investor and founder, including the UK’s fastest-growing B2B fibre network provider.
The post Cutting Out Confusion: Why Clear, Process-Driven Compliance Training Reduces Mistakes In Data Security & Management appeared first on Real Business.
