Professional Track
Professional Track
Data Protection Manager
Develop the capability to design, operate and continuously improve a Privacy Information Management System aligned with ISO/IEC 27701.
Manager
Data Protection
ISO/IEC 27701
Make data protection a managed capability — not a reactive obligation
Make data protection a managed capability — not a reactive obligation
By integrating privacy governance, risk-based controls and lifecycle thinking into normal management processes, this track shows how data protection becomes operationally effective and sustainable.
By integrating privacy governance, risk-based controls and lifecycle thinking into normal management processes, this track shows how data protection becomes operationally effective and sustainable.
By integrating privacy governance, risk-based controls and lifecycle thinking into normal management processes, this track shows how data protection becomes operationally effective and sustainable.
Overview
The Data Protection Manager Track is designed for professionals who are responsible for establishing and maintaining a structured approach to data protection within their organisation through a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). Rather than focusing on legal texts or isolated compliance activities, the programme addresses data protection as a management system that integrates governance, risk management and operational control across the personal data lifecycle.
The track combines cross-standard management system modules with privacy-specific content aligned with ISO/IEC 27701. Participants learn how to operationalise privacy requirements in a pragmatic way, how to integrate privacy risk management with information security and enterprise risk processes, how to coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and how to maintain accountability and transparency under changing regulatory and organisational conditions.
The modules are designed to be taken alongside professional responsibilities over several months. Most are shared with other Halderstone manager tracks, supporting integrated management systems across information security, quality and continuity. A final assessment consolidates the learning in a realistic PIMS scenario and leads to a Halderstone diploma and a data protection specialisation certificate.
The Data Protection Manager Track is designed for professionals who are responsible for establishing and maintaining a structured approach to data protection within their organisation through a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). Rather than focusing on legal texts or isolated compliance activities, the programme addresses data protection as a management system that integrates governance, risk management and operational control across the personal data lifecycle.
The track combines cross-standard management system modules with privacy-specific content aligned with ISO/IEC 27701. Participants learn how to operationalise privacy requirements in a pragmatic way, how to integrate privacy risk management with information security and enterprise risk processes, how to coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and how to maintain accountability and transparency under changing regulatory and organisational conditions.
The modules are designed to be taken alongside professional responsibilities over several months. Most are shared with other Halderstone manager tracks, supporting integrated management systems across information security, quality and continuity. A final assessment consolidates the learning in a realistic PIMS scenario and leads to a Halderstone diploma and a data protection specialisation certificate.
Learning outcomes
Explain the purpose and value of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).
Analyse organisational context, stakeholders and privacy obligations.
Establish governance structures, roles and policies for data protection.
Apply risk-based thinking to personal data processing activities.
Design and maintain operational privacy controls across the data lifecycle.
Integrate privacy management with information security and other management systems.
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, including processors and suppliers.
Implement privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default in projects and operations.
Monitor privacy performance, handle incidents and manage data subject rights.
Evaluate PIMS effectiveness and drive continual improvement.
Explain the purpose and value of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS).
Analyse organisational context, stakeholders and privacy obligations.
Establish governance structures, roles and policies for data protection.
Apply risk-based thinking to personal data processing activities.
Design and maintain operational privacy controls across the data lifecycle.
Integrate privacy management with information security and other management systems.
Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, including processors and suppliers.
Implement privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default in projects and operations.
Monitor privacy performance, handle incidents and manage data subject rights.
Evaluate PIMS effectiveness and drive continual improvement.
Modular architecture
Two credentials with one track
Halderstone Professional Diploma in Management Systems
The Halderstone Professional Diploma in Management Systems certifies a solid, cross-domain foundation in designing, operating and improving management systems. It focuses on the common principles that apply across standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22301 and ISO/IEC 42001.
The diploma demonstrates that you can analyse organisational context, establish governance and roles, apply risk-based thinking, define objectives and controls, evaluate performance and drive continual improvement. It confirms your ability to manage systems as living organisational capabilities, not as isolated compliance initiatives.
This core diploma is shared across all Halderstone Manager tracks and forms the basis for adding further domain specialisations efficiently.
The Halderstone Professional Diploma in Management Systems certifies a solid, cross-domain foundation in designing, operating and improving management systems. It focuses on the common principles that apply across standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22301 and ISO/IEC 42001.
The diploma demonstrates that you can analyse organisational context, establish governance and roles, apply risk-based thinking, define objectives and controls, evaluate performance and drive continual improvement. It confirms your ability to manage systems as living organisational capabilities, not as isolated compliance initiatives.
This core diploma is shared across all Halderstone Manager tracks and forms the basis for adding further domain specialisations efficiently.
Halderstone Specialist Certificate in Data Protection Management
The Data Protection Management specialisation focuses on applying general management system practices to the specific needs of a Privacy Information Management System aligned with ISO/IEC 27701. It addresses how data protection requirements are operationalised across the personal data lifecycle in a way that supports accountability, transparency and control.
The specialisation emphasises interpreting privacy requirements pragmatically, integrating privacy risk management with information security and business processes, and embedding privacy-by-design into day-to-day operations and projects. It also covers managing processor relationships, handling incidents and data subject requests, and maintaining evidence that demonstrates effective privacy management. The focus is on building a PIMS that supports consistent and defensible data protection practices rather than reactive compliance efforts.
The Data Protection Management specialisation focuses on applying general management system practices to the specific needs of a Privacy Information Management System aligned with ISO/IEC 27701. It addresses how data protection requirements are operationalised across the personal data lifecycle in a way that supports accountability, transparency and control.
The specialisation emphasises interpreting privacy requirements pragmatically, integrating privacy risk management with information security and business processes, and embedding privacy-by-design into day-to-day operations and projects. It also covers managing processor relationships, handling incidents and data subject requests, and maintaining evidence that demonstrates effective privacy management. The focus is on building a PIMS that supports consistent and defensible data protection practices rather than reactive compliance efforts.
Modular architecture
Module recognition across tracks
Previously completed modules are recognized, avoiding duplication when pursuing additional Halderstone tracks.
Core Modules
Specialization Modules
Capstone Project
Final Exam
Core Modules
Specialization Modules
Capstone Project
Final Exam
Core Modules
Specialization Modules
Capstone Project
Final Exam
Most modules in this track are shared with other Halderstone manager tracks, particularly Information Security Manager and Integrated Management System Manager. This enables efficient progression toward additional specialisations without duplicating foundational management system content.
For example, completing the Data Protection Manager Track places you close to qualifying for an Information Security or AI Management specialisation. The additional effort is typically 1–3 modules, depending on the domain and prior experience.
Track composition
Track composition
Track composition
Full curriculum
Core modules
Shared foundations common to all tracks
System Foundations
Understand organisational context, stakeholders, and system boundaries
7 h
System Foundations
Understand organisational context, stakeholders, and system boundaries
7 h
System Foundations
Understand organisational context, stakeholders, and system boundaries
7 h
Leadership & Policy Foundations
Understand leadership responsibilities in management systems and how top management sets clear policy direction and accountability
7 h
Leadership & Policy Foundations
Understand leadership responsibilities in management systems and how top management sets clear policy direction and accountability
7 h
Leadership & Policy Foundations
Understand leadership responsibilities in management systems and how top management sets clear policy direction and accountability
7 h
Policy Management
Build a coherent, auditable policy framework that aligns with strategy, scales across entities, and stays current without bureaucracy.
7 h
Policy Management
Build a coherent, auditable policy framework that aligns with strategy, scales across entities, and stays current without bureaucracy.
7 h
Policy Management
Build a coherent, auditable policy framework that aligns with strategy, scales across entities, and stays current without bureaucracy.
7 h
Governance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of role design, decision rights, governance mechanisms, and escalation paths in management systems
7 h
Governance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of role design, decision rights, governance mechanisms, and escalation paths in management systems
7 h
Governance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of role design, decision rights, governance mechanisms, and escalation paths in management systems
7 h
Resource Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of resourcing management systems across people, time, budget, infrastructure, and external support
7 h
Resource Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of resourcing management systems across people, time, budget, infrastructure, and external support
7 h
Resource Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of resourcing management systems across people, time, budget, infrastructure, and external support
7 h
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Risk Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of identifying, evaluating, treating, and monitoring risks and opportunities across management systems.
7 h
Risk Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of identifying, evaluating, treating, and monitoring risks and opportunities across management systems.
7 h
Risk Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of identifying, evaluating, treating, and monitoring risks and opportunities across management systems.
7 h
Objectives & Performance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of objective setting, KPI definition, and KPI governance for management systems
7 h
Objectives & Performance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of objective setting, KPI definition, and KPI governance for management systems
7 h
Objectives & Performance Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of objective setting, KPI definition, and KPI governance for management systems
7 h
Process Design Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of defining process boundaries, mapping flows and handovers, and embedding controls and required evidence into usable process documentation
7 h
Process Design Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of defining process boundaries, mapping flows and handovers, and embedding controls and required evidence into usable process documentation
7 h
Process Design Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of defining process boundaries, mapping flows and handovers, and embedding controls and required evidence into usable process documentation
7 h
People & Communication Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of competence planning, awareness building, and structured communication in management systems
7 h
People & Communication Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of competence planning, awareness building, and structured communication in management systems
7 h
People & Communication Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of competence planning, awareness building, and structured communication in management systems
7 h
Operational Control Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of designing and running controlled operational processes with clear roles, controls, records, and change handling.
7 h
Operational Control Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of designing and running controlled operational processes with clear roles, controls, records, and change handling.
7 h
Operational Control Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of designing and running controlled operational processes with clear roles, controls, records, and change handling.
7 h
Supplier Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of selecting, qualifying, and controlling suppliers and outsourced processes across their lifecycle
7 h
Supplier Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of selecting, qualifying, and controlling suppliers and outsourced processes across their lifecycle
7 h
Supplier Management Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of selecting, qualifying, and controlling suppliers and outsourced processes across their lifecycle
7 h
Monitoring & Measurement Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of measurement methods, data quality checks, and measurement registers for consistent performance data.
7 h
Monitoring & Measurement Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of measurement methods, data quality checks, and measurement registers for consistent performance data.
7 h
Monitoring & Measurement Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of measurement methods, data quality checks, and measurement registers for consistent performance data.
7 h
Performance Evaluation Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of analysing performance results, interpreting trends and deviations, and summarising evaluation outputs for management decisions
7 h
Performance Evaluation Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of analysing performance results, interpreting trends and deviations, and summarising evaluation outputs for management decisions
7 h
Performance Evaluation Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of analysing performance results, interpreting trends and deviations, and summarising evaluation outputs for management decisions
7 h
Internal Audit Foundations
Understand the purpose of internal audits, role responsibilities, independence expectations, and how audit results are used in governance and improvement
7 h
Internal Audit Foundations
Understand the purpose of internal audits, role responsibilities, independence expectations, and how audit results are used in governance and improvement
7 h
Internal Audit Foundations
Understand the purpose of internal audits, role responsibilities, independence expectations, and how audit results are used in governance and improvement
7 h
Management Review Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of planning, conducting, and documenting management reviews using integrated inputs and decision-focused outputs
7 h
Management Review Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of planning, conducting, and documenting management reviews using integrated inputs and decision-focused outputs
7 h
Management Review Foundations
Learn the fundamentals of planning, conducting, and documenting management reviews using integrated inputs and decision-focused outputs
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Improvement Management
Understand corrective actions, root cause analysis, action tracking, and effectiveness verification in management systems
7 h
Specialization modules
Role-specific modules that deepen your expertise in Data Protection Management
Data Protection Fundamentals
A helicopter view of privacy roles, obligations, and mechanisms in organisations
7 h
Data Protection Fundamentals
A helicopter view of privacy roles, obligations, and mechanisms in organisations
7 h
Data Protection Fundamentals
A helicopter view of privacy roles, obligations, and mechanisms in organisations
7 h
PII Processing Context, Roles & Scope
Understand PII processing context, controller/processor roles, and practical PIMS scope boundaries under ISO/IEC 27701:2025
7 h
PII Processing Context, Roles & Scope
Understand PII processing context, controller/processor roles, and practical PIMS scope boundaries under ISO/IEC 27701:2025
7 h
PII Processing Context, Roles & Scope
Understand PII processing context, controller/processor roles, and practical PIMS scope boundaries under ISO/IEC 27701:2025
7 h
Privacy Risk & Impact Assessment (DPIA)
Understand privacy risk assessment, impact reasoning, and DPIA documentation within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Privacy Risk & Impact Assessment (DPIA)
Understand privacy risk assessment, impact reasoning, and DPIA documentation within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Privacy Risk & Impact Assessment (DPIA)
Understand privacy risk assessment, impact reasoning, and DPIA documentation within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Operational Privacy Controls
Understand role-based operational privacy controls and data subject rights handling within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Operational Privacy Controls
Understand role-based operational privacy controls and data subject rights handling within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Operational Privacy Controls
Understand role-based operational privacy controls and data subject rights handling within an ISO/IEC 27701:2025 PIMS
7 h
Capstone project and final exam
Practical and theoretical demonstration of your acquired competence in Data Protection Management
The track concludes with a combined assessment:
a written exam covering the essential principles of management systems and privacy management, and
a capstone project in which participants design or improve a Privacy Information Management System for a selected organisation or context.
The project includes defining privacy context and stakeholders, governance and accountability structures, privacy risk assessment and treatment, lifecycle controls for personal data, monitoring mechanisms and improvement actions. The assessment focuses on operationalising data protection in practice rather than interpreting legal texts or memorising standard requirements.
Continuous learning
Other tracks
Ready to achieve mastery?
Bring ISO requirements into everyday practice to reduce avoidable issues and strengthen the trust of your customers and stakeholders.
Ready to achieve mastery?
Bring ISO requirements into everyday practice to reduce avoidable issues and strengthen the trust of your customers and stakeholders.
Ready to achieve mastery?
Bring ISO requirements into everyday practice to reduce avoidable issues and strengthen the trust of your customers and stakeholders.