Social landlords, charities and voluntary organisations make up a large part of the North East's economy. Many of them support vulnerable people, and hold information about health, disability, support needs and sometimes criminal records.
We provide outsourced DPOs to housing associations, charities, councils and employers across the region, remotely and on a fixed monthly fee.
Housing associations in England
Most English housing associations are not public authorities under the Freedom of Information Act, so they aren't required to appoint a DPO on that basis. That's a key difference from Scotland, where registered social landlords have been covered by freedom of information law since 2019.
The core-activity test still applies. A landlord providing supported housing, holding health and support-needs data about many tenants, may well be processing special category data on a large scale. Many associations appoint a DPO for that reason — or because their regulator and funders expect one.
Charities and vulnerable people
Charities working with vulnerable adults and children hold some of the most sensitive data in any sector. Size alone doesn't decide it: a large regional charity supporting thousands of people is in a very different position from a small local group. Documenting your assessment is the essential first step.
Public sector employers
The region's councils, NHS trusts and universities are public authorities and must all appoint a DPO. Our guide to whether you legally need a DPO covers the three triggers in full.
Sectors we support in the North East
Housing associations
Landlords whose DPO obligation turns on tenant data and scale.
Charities and voluntary sector
Organisations supporting vulnerable people with sensitive records.
Local authorities and NHS
Public bodies with a mandatory DPO requirement.
Universities
Institutions required to appoint a DPO as public authorities.
How our outsourced DPO service works
- A free 30-minute consultation to understand your organisation, your processing and whether a DPO is mandatory for you.
- A clear proposal with a single fixed monthly fee, based on your size and complexity. No hidden costs.
- Your named DPO in place within 48 hours, with the ICO notified of their contact details.
- Ongoing support: monthly reporting, policy oversight, breach readiness and direct access to your DPO.
Every engagement runs on rolling monthly terms, with no long-term contract.
DPO consultancy without an appointment
Not every organisation needs a formal DPO. If the mandatory triggers don't apply to you, our DPO consultancy gives you the same expertise on the specific areas you need — a compliance gap analysis, DPIAs for new projects, policy reviews, breach response support or staff training — without the statutory obligations that come with appointing a DPO.
North East housing associations and charities often start with an assessment of whether their tenant or service-user data is processed at large scale — then decide between consultancy and a formal DPO.
Need a DPO in Newcastle?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll tell you whether a DPO is mandatory for you and what the right arrangement looks like. No obligation.
Book Your Free DPO Consultation →or call 01244 261 379Frequently asked questions
Does a housing association need a DPO?
In England, not automatically — most aren't public authorities for these purposes. But if you process health or support-needs data about tenants on a large scale, a DPO is likely to be required.
Is it different in Scotland?
Yes. Scottish registered social landlords are covered by freedom of information law, which makes them public authorities and means they must appoint a DPO.
Do charities need a DPO?
Only if they meet the large-scale special category or monitoring tests. Many charities working with vulnerable people do, and many others appoint one voluntarily.