External Data Protection Officer

Why Choose an External Data Protection Officer?

There are many good reasons to appoint an external DPO. The most important one: security. With an external DPO from FGND Core, you not only meet all legal requirements related to the designation of a DPO – you also gain immediate relief in all matters of data protection.

We handle the official registration with supervisory authorities and fulfill all related legal reporting obligations on your behalf. We also serve as your point of contact for authorities, clients, and employees.
So you can focus on what matters most: your business.

The appointment of an internal Data Protection Officer (DPO) often creates hidden challenges for organizations. Internal candidates must be identified, trained, and qualified, which involves significant time and financial investment. Their salaries increase in line with their new responsibilities, and they benefit from special protection against dismissal, which can limit the company’s flexibility. In addition, internal DPOs are frequently restricted in their effectiveness, as they must balance their compliance role with other daily responsibilities, reducing the time available for data protection tasks.

An external DPO avoids these difficulties. External experts are immediately operational and can be officially registered with supervisory authorities without delay. Companies benefit from reduced internal effort, as the responsibility for training and maintaining qualifications lies entirely with the service provider. Costs are transparent and predictable, without hidden salary increases or unforeseen absences. Furthermore, unlike internal DPOs, external providers are not subject to special dismissal protection, giving companies greater flexibility in adapting to changing business circumstances.

When Does Your Company Need a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?

Under Section 38 (1) of the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG), companies are required to appoint a Data Protection Officer if at least 20 employees regularly handle personal data in an automated way.

The obligation also applies regardless of staff size if a Data Protection Impact Assessment (Article 35 GDPR) is necessary, or if personal data is processed commercially for the purpose of transmission (including anonymized transmission) or for market and opinion research.

According to Article 37 GDPR, a DPO is also required when a company’s core activities involve the regular, large-scale monitoring of individuals (e.g., tracking or scoring), or the extensive processing of special categories of personal data (e.g., health data).

Important: The DPO must act independently (Article 38 GDPR). Members of management, or heads of IT or HR, are usually not suitable for this role due to potential conflicts of interest.

Key Benefits and Questions

Beyond cost and organizational benefits, external DPOs bring broader professional expertise gained from supporting multiple clients across industries. This experience translates into pragmatic, business-oriented solutions rather than purely theoretical approaches. Companies gain direct access to proven templates, established software tools, and specialist knowledge that is continuously updated. On-site support is available when needed, ensuring practical implementation rather than mere advice.
By choosing an external DPO, organizations secure reliable compliance, reduce internal strain, and gain access to expert resources — allowing internal teams to focus on their core business.

Focus on Growth, Not on Compliance Burdens

Managing data protection in-house often means splitting attention between business priorities and complex compliance requirements. Internal staff may have the knowledge of your processes, but rarely the time and resources to fully dedicate themselves to data protection. This can create tension: your teams want to innovate and deliver, yet they also carry the responsibility of staying compliant in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

A Core external Data Protection Officer brings relief and clarity. By taking over communication with supervisory authorities, providing ready-to-use tools, and offering sector-specific expertise, external support reduces the strain on your organization. It allows your employees to focus on their real strengths – developing products, serving customers, and growing the business.

Your teams should focus on what drives your business. The dedicated external DPO of Core takes care of compliance – pragmatically, reliably, and always aligned with your business goals.