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Business Legal Services
Data Governance
Under GDPR, businesses must meet higher standards of accountability and data governance.
GDPR regulations place the onus on business owners to ensure compliance and to clearly demonstrate it, so creating a well-executed data governance strategy is vital. Optimise the way your company is run, improve its reputation among consumers and help cement long-term commercial goals, with support from our data protection solicitors.
Experts in data protection & privacy law
In addition to assisting with data governance, our team can assist you across all areas of data protection & privacy law, including:
Meeting your data governance goals and objectives
Data governance is enshrined in GDPR’s accountability principle. Companies must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard the privacy rights of data subjects. They should also have internal processes in place to verify compliance with data governance principles when requested to by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
The ICO indicates that encouraging a culture of data protection ‘by design and default’ is an integral element of being accountable. This means putting data protection at the heart of everything you do as a business. Our data protection solicitors adopt this holistic kind of approach when advising companies in all sectors on how to meet their data governance obligations.
Our solicitors can advise you on:
Implementing effective data protection policies, including privacy policies and data retention policies.
Use of third-party data processors, and appropriate contractual arrangements.
and appropriate contractual arrangements.
Identifying departments and staff that need to be involved in your data governance framework and providing appropriate GDPR training.
Implementation of security measures to protect data
The suitability of a data governance hierarchy
Following an analysis of the data you process and the level of sensitivity that attaches to each category of data.
The correct documentation for recording your processing activities.
How to create a comprehensive data governance framework that minimises risk, including advice on measuring and reporting the success of the framework.
Identifying key individuals with responsibility for particular processing activities.
Legal implications
We can assess the implications for each department, data processor and controller if correct governance is not implemented.
Data protection impact assessments
We can help when your processing is high volume or presents a high risk to individuals.
The measures you can introduce
To ensure you keep your governance strategy under review and fit for purpose.
What are the benefits of good data governance?
Improved GDPR compliance
Failure to comply with your obligations under GDPR can mean heavy fines and damage to your commercial reputation. Implementing appropriate data governance protocols across your business will help foster a sense of responsibility among staff in relation to the personal data they handle. It will reduce the risk of data breaches and other security lapses.
Gain commercial advantage
Prioritising data governance means being accountable to your clients and customers. Transparency about what you do with their data demonstrates that you don’t take their business for granted. It builds trust and loyalty among consumers.
Reduced fallout from data breach
If there is a data breach at your organisation your ability to provide evidence of your data governance policies and other safeguards will strengthen any defence to regulatory intervention by the ICO.
Who we help: High growth businesses with data security concerns
Our data protection specialists offer comprehensive advice on data governance to a range of high-growth businesses. We understand that for smaller companies a more low-key approach to data governance is sufficient than might be the case for larger businesses. Not every company will need a data management framework for example, or a detailed data governance hierarchy. Our job is to provide tailor-made advice that’s appropriate for your business and relevant to the kind of data processing you engage in.
Testimonials
What our clients say
The on-demand service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Choosing Harper James was one of the best choices we made as a start-up. The firm has provided invaluable advice and insight throughout the early stages of our business.
Leigh Purnell
CEO,
Petalite
Harper James have become a vital part of our business. We get quality advice from experienced solicitors at prices that other firms do not appear to be able to match.
Veejay Lingiah
CEO,
Flash Sticks
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
My colleagues and I have found them to be adept at dealing with the variety of challenges facing early stage companies. They are a trusted source for sound, sensible advice and practical deal management.
Jill Shaw
CEO,
Anvil Semiconductors
What I’ve been most impressed with is the way Rob and Ed have dug deep, independently, into our website and made sure every base is covered. They’ve looked under the surface of the website and highlighted areas where we need to ensure we have correct terms and policies in place. That’s first-class support.
Lameece Nagib
Head of Operations,
Hopin
I've enjoyed working with Harper James Solicitors and we are in good shape thanks to their help.
Steve Dunlop
CEO,
A Million Ads
We initially turned to Harper James for help in one part of our business but quickly realised we could benefit from their support in other areas too. The level of service has been impressive. What I like about Harper James is they seem to take a proactive approach to legal services provision. They’ve looked at our business and made suggestions as to areas where they can best focus their support and expertise. It is reassuring to have a legal services provider like that working alongside you.
Heidi Ayton
Chief of Compliance,
Croud
David Sant has been informative and reassuring as we in C-me Colour profiling work through the data protection analysis for the business model and the implications for our data protection processes and GDPR documentation.
Sue Wilsher
Company Secretary,
Colour Preferences
Very easy to work with, explain complex information in a clear and accessible manner. Spent the extra time to research and confirm all options and was very clear about the costs and confirmed before any commitment.
Martin Farrington
Director of Information Technology,
The Future Laboratory
Lillian is really helpful and clear in her communications. Her advice is pragmatic and she works in a timely manner, as well as having an approachable nature.
Janna Bates
Head of HR,
easyfundraising
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
The on-demand service we get from Harper James allows us to combine their expertise with that of our own in-house counsel. It means we can get quick and trustworthy legal advice from specialists in every legal area, as and when we need it. There are no hidden extras and the service we have received has always demonstrated an awareness of our fast-moving commercial requirements.
Amelia Guilfoyle
Head of legal,
Zoopla
Choosing Harper James was one of the best choices we made as a start-up. The firm has provided invaluable advice and insight throughout the early stages of our business.
Leigh Purnell
CEO,
Petalite
Harper James have become a vital part of our business. We get quality advice from experienced solicitors at prices that other firms do not appear to be able to match.
Veejay Lingiah
CEO,
Flash Sticks
Harper James solicitors don’t speak in the legalese which I have heard too many times from other solicitors and which is totally unhelpful. What I’m after is focused, considered advice about the specific situations that I face. By which I mean, do you think this is a good idea? Their response might be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. One word is often all I’m looking for! My solicitor gives a view and I really value that.
Tom Davenport
MD & Co-Founder,
Alvius
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
My colleagues and I have found them to be adept at dealing with the variety of challenges facing early stage companies. They are a trusted source for sound, sensible advice and practical deal management.
Jill Shaw
CEO,
Anvil Semiconductors
What I’ve been most impressed with is the way Rob and Ed have dug deep, independently, into our website and made sure every base is covered. They’ve looked under the surface of the website and highlighted areas where we need to ensure we have correct terms and policies in place. That’s first-class support.
Lameece Nagib
Head of Operations,
Hopin
I've enjoyed working with Harper James Solicitors and we are in good shape thanks to their help.
Steve Dunlop
CEO,
A Million Ads
We initially turned to Harper James for help in one part of our business but quickly realised we could benefit from their support in other areas too. The level of service has been impressive. What I like about Harper James is they seem to take a proactive approach to legal services provision. They’ve looked at our business and made suggestions as to areas where they can best focus their support and expertise. It is reassuring to have a legal services provider like that working alongside you.
Heidi Ayton
Chief of Compliance,
Croud
David Sant has been informative and reassuring as we in C-me Colour profiling work through the data protection analysis for the business model and the implications for our data protection processes and GDPR documentation.
Sue Wilsher
Company Secretary,
Colour Preferences
Very easy to work with, explain complex information in a clear and accessible manner. Spent the extra time to research and confirm all options and was very clear about the costs and confirmed before any commitment.
Martin Farrington
Director of Information Technology,
The Future Laboratory
Lillian is really helpful and clear in her communications. Her advice is pragmatic and she works in a timely manner, as well as having an approachable nature.
Janna Bates
Head of HR,
easyfundraising
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
Why choose Harper James Solicitors?
The experience we have at Harper James, working with businesses of all sizes across many sectors, ensures our advice will always be appropriate to you. Our recommendations on data governance will be robust but they will be based on the level of risk we believe your processing presents, and they will be proportionate. Many clients are reassured by the fact that because a significant proportion of our team has valuable experience working in industry our lawyers appreciate the pressures businesses are under to meet their GDPR obligations in a cost-effective way.
Plus, we’ll also look beyond your initial requirements for data governance support. In fact, we’re able to provide you with all the commercial legal support you could possibly need to progress. Whether you need advice on corporate governance, assistance with a contract dispute, or the necessary support to get the best possible deal on a commercial lease, we can help, while simultaneously keeping your commercial goals in mind and taking the appropriate steps to help you reach them.
Find out more about the team here:
Pricing plans
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Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
City
Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.
An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.
Enterprise
Have legal peace of mind for £215 per month with additional support from £145 per hour.
A monthly subscription legal support package specifically designed for start-ups and smaller businesses.
On-Demand
Providing you with priority access to a dedicated panel of highly experienced solicitors.
Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.