Data protection programme

Your organisation needs an ongoing data protection programme. Data protection or privacy is important because it protects people from harm. It is one of the cornerstones of democracy, protects individual freedoms and enables the free flow of data. If data is the new oil in the information age, then any laws that regulate how an organisation can process personal data become crucial. Oh, and the law also requires data protection. We take a global view also considering the position in all jurisdictions including the EU, UK, Africa, Australia and the USA.

The problem is that data protection is complex and hard to get right on your own. The risks of getting it wrong are significant. Many organisations have found out the hard way and suffered the consequences. Their brands have been severely damaged, they’ve lost the trust of their customers, or they’ve been fined large amounts.

Getting data protection right can be expensive. Many organisations have spent lots of money on consultants trying to put controls in place without really getting practical and effective results. Without guidance, people in organisations have spent hours and hours trying to get their heads around data protection. Data protection is difficult to understand and apply to your specific circumstances because it is complex and deals with intangible concepts. The focus should not be on compliance but rather on the outcomes the law is seeking to achieve. You also want to do things in the right order.

Set up and run an effective data protection programme for your organisation on an ongoing basis by using this Michalsons Data Protection Programme as a blueprint.

Getting expert guidance and assistance makes a lot of sense. We created the Michalsons data protection programme that provides cost-effective expert guidance and actions to take. We’ve spent thousands of hours creating it so that you can protect the personal data you process in a practical and effective way. This programme contains the knowledge we’ve gained through many years of practically applying the topic and helping other organisations. It is made of modules that consist of webinars and detailed guidance and actions to take. It provides easy access to relevant laws, tools for you to use (like templates, frameworks and presentations), and a programme group or forum for discussion about shared issues.

This data protection programme will help you process personal data (law)fully and embed a culture of data protection and build capacity in your organisation. Use your resources but with our expert guidance. Transfer skills to the relevant people in your organisation and empower them.

Who should join?

This programme is for organisations that have to comply with multiple data protection laws (like the GDPR, the US CCPA, the UK GDPR, the UK DPDI Bill, the Indian DPDP Act, the POPI Act or other data protection laws of Africa). If your organisation only has to (or wants to) comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act or POPIA) you can look at the topic through the POPI lens, which is included in this subscription. We also have specific lenses for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), manufacturers, non-profit organisations, schools, community schemes, healthcare and more. If you are one of those, you can also look through that lens.

Types of organisations

Organisations on whom the impact of data protection law is medium or high, especially organisations who have many natural people as customers. Organisations whose primary activity involves the processing of personal data or are data-driven. Good examples are direct marketers, healthcare providers, medical schemes, financial service providers, banks, insurers, mobile network operators, IT companies, manufacturers, credit bureaus and pension funds.
Organisations that have lots of employees and process lots of personal information (like health data) about them (like mines).
This programme is also for public bodies (like a Government Department, statutory body or State Owned Company).
This programme is not for low-risk small business.

Types of people

The people from an organisation who get the most value from this programme are the people planning, deciding and implementing actions to protect personal data. For example, the in-house legal, general counsel, compliance officer, data protection (or information) officer, chief privacy officer, privacy (or data protection) champions, heads of department, or managers. This programme is not for customer-facing employees.

What are the outcomes of this programme?

Protect people from harm by protecting their personal data that your organisation processes.
Enable your organisation to perform its activities and grow by processing personal data lawfully.
Reduce the risks of non-compliance (like damage to your brand and losing the trust of your customers) by focusing your efforts.
Reduce your overall costs by doing it yourself with our assistance.
Fast-track your efforts by accessing deep knowledge, expertise and experience. Save time by having an expert guide and coach you.
Ensure everything is privileged from authorities by engaging with Michalsons who are independent professional legal advisers.
Comply with the data protection laws that your organisation must comply with by putting the necessary controls in place.
Build trust with your data subjects (or controllers) by being in a position to get certified by an agency or by displaying the Data Protection Champ badge.

Explore why you need to be a member

What our data protection programme members say

I am a member of your Data Protection Programme and find it very insightful.

Leanne Toffie | Risk Officer, Fedgroup JHB

Thank you very much for all your help, this programme has been crucial in assisting us with becoming POPI compliant.

CEO Health Insurance Solutions Provider

Thank you so much for all your support and putting together such a great programme. We feel really comfortable that we are at least on the right track with regard to compliance.

CEO Television production company

I find the data protection programme indispensable. The “Introduction” and “Learn” modules provided a solid foundation when I started. After that, the programme became my primary source of information on data protection. I use the search functionality in the member’s area for quick answers. When I need comprehensive information, I use the “Table of modules” to identify the relevant module. Each module provides a structured overview of a topic. The additional information in the “Useful resources” section and the actionable items in the “Actions” section are especially valuable.

Celeste Uys, University POPIA Project Coordinator

Implement data protection laws (incl POPIA).

Understand how our programme works.

What actions could you take now?

You’re looking for more information about the programme. There are a few ways we can help you.

Explore the benefits of joining the programme.
Take our complimentary impact assessment to unpack the impact data protection laws have on your organisation. The information provided will help you determine the best approach for you and your organisation.
Book a complimentary programme tour with our programme manager.
Get the course outline by downloading the table of modules.
Find out what our clients say about us.

Or simply join the programme.

Programme role players

John Giles

John is the programme director and has been helping organisations to commercialise data (law)fully for years. John has helped many organisations comply with data protection or privacy regulatory requirements. He helps organisations implement effective data protection programmes in their organisations. He has presented many times on the topic to thousands of people. John has years of practical experience applying his knowledge to organisations to help them grow and avoid legal problems, difficulties, and disputes. He keeps the show on the road and ensures members get value from the programme. He brings his strong people, process, planning, project management, analytical and problem-solving skills to this data protection programme.

Subscription pricing for organisations

Small

R2053monthly

1 – 49 Employees
Euro 119 monthly

Join

Medium

R4235monthly

50 – 249 Employees
Euro 246 monthly

Join

Large

R6111monthly

250 – 999 Employees
Euro 355 monthly

Join

Enterprise

RPOAmonthly

+1000 Employees
Euro POA monthly

Apply

For an unlimited number of users in your organisation. The prices listed include VAT (if applicable). We bill you monthly in advance. You may cancel your membership by notifying us in writing up to one day before we issue the next invoice. We offer this programme subject to our programme terms.

100% Money Back Guarantee

We will refund you if you do not think you received value.

If your organisation is already a member of another programme, we offer a 10% discount.

FAQ about the data protection programme

What happens after I join?

We will ask you for a list of the people who you would like to have access. We’ll help them receive our emails and send them an invitation by email to log in to the programme. We will then set up a programme onboarding session with those people to orientate them in the programme and get the most out of it.

How many people in my organisation can have access?

The subscription is per organisation. You can give access to an unlimited number of named users in your organisation (unless your quote or invoice specifies a number of users). Members of the programme often add about twenty people. For example, officers, managers and data champions. The programme is not for the executive or general employees.

How long will my organisation have access for?

You will have access for as long as your organisation continues to subscribe. Michalsons continuously updates the content as the law and best practices develop. Like physical fitness, compliance is a journey, and you always work towards being more fit. By remaining a member, we will support you on your ongoing journey, whether it’s dealing with complying with your obligations, updates to the law and other critical aspects.

What does the programme NOT cover?

Find out what is excluded.

What if we still need help with specific questions we have?

You’re welcome to contact Michalsons at any time. We will try to answer where we can, and if there is significant research or work required we will provide you with a quote to do the work.

Lenses included in the data protection programme

The data protection programme includes access to lenses that may be relevant to you. Lenses contextualise data protection for a particular audience, country or industry.