Privacy has moved from a back-office concern to a front-line responsibility. It’s not just about complying with rules; it’s about earning trust – from customers, employees, and partners. One way to make this happen? Enlist privacy champions.

A privacy champion is a passionate advocate for protecting personal data within their department. They’re not legal experts – they’re your colleagues who understand how privacy impacts everyday work. Their job is simple: help their team embed data protection into what they do, making privacy practical, not a paperwork exercise.

Why privacy ambassadors matter

Every department handles privacy differently. HR manages sensitive employee details, marketing juggles customer data, and IT safeguards the network. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Privacy champions bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring rules fit real-world workflows.

Beyond compliance, they help build a culture of trust. When employees see privacy as a shared responsibility – rather than something handed down by management – they’re more likely to embrace it. This cultural shift reduces risks like accidental data leaks and strengthens the organisation’s reputation.

Getting started

Setting up a privacy champion programme is straightforward. Start small – look for employees already mindful of privacy or interested in improving how their team handles data. Recognise their efforts publicly. People like feeling valued, and a little recognition can go a long way in encouraging others to step up.

Once you have a core group, give them the tools to succeed. Run regular training sessions, but keep them short and to the point. Provide easy-to-understand resources, like checklists or real-world examples, that they can share with their teams. Most importantly, listen to their feedback. Champions are on the front lines and can flag challenges or suggest practical improvements.

Small actions, big results

Involving privacy champions in shaping your policies ensures they’re realistic and easier to follow. A small tweak, like improving how sensitive documents are stored or making data-sharing protocols clearer, can have a massive impact. Over time, these small wins add up, reducing risks and creating a stronger culture of privacy.

The big picture

Privacy champions aren’t just about meeting today’s challenges; they’re preparing your organisation for tomorrow’s. As regulations evolve, having a privacy-first mindset means you’re ready to adapt quickly. But more than that, it shows your employees and customers you care about protecting their data – and their trust.

So, here’s the question: who in your organisation could take the lead on privacy? Start small, support them, and watch the benefits ripple across your teams.