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.
Finding the right legal partner
Why work with Harper James
Choose a legal partner you can trust: we’ll help protect your goals, your business and your people so you can move forward with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Affordable, transparent and predictable pricing
Clear itemised invoices, subscription plans with up to 50% discount, and fixed fee products help you plan and manage legal spend – with no nasty surprises.
Proven track record and measurable results
We’ve supported over 8,000 businesses since 2014, with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60+ from monthly client surveys.
Straight-talking, responsive advice
We’re here to make things easier, not add complexity. That means fast response times, practical expert legal advice delivered in plain English, and dedicated client service and account management support.
Risk and compliance assured
We’re an SRA regulated firm, but more importantly, we build quality, data, and compliance best practice into everything we do.
Appointing a legal partner is a big decision. That’s why we’re open about our values, culture and model, so you can see what makes us tick. And because a productive partnership starts with understanding, we always begin with a conversation – listening to your goals, pressures and plans, then tailoring our support to fit.
Testimonials
What our clients say
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:
Top ranked SME focused firm
"Harper James is a one-stop shop for anything legal. It has excellent breadth, with experience on a large number of deals and multiple departments for different legal areas."
Chambers and Partners 2026
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £239 per month, with £159 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 33% discount on our Standard Rates.
