Interim and seconded consultants

  How does an interim and seconded consultant work?

Interim and seconded consultants integrate into your team, carry out tasks assigned by you and report directly to you – but without adding to your headcount.

  How will consultants help your organisation?

Where consultancy projects will typically have a defined scope and duration, your interim or seconded consultant can support a specific project or simply pick up a business-as-usual workload. By using a DQM GRC consultant, you gain specialist knowledge and reap the benefit of practical best-practice implementation experience. Many of our customers use this service to cover a skills gap in an area they have experienced trouble recruiting for. 

  How long are consultants contracted for?

Interim and secondment contracts can last for as long as you need the support – typically for about three months or more. For longer-term projects, we recommend refreshing your consultant at least every two years to ensure you – and they – continue to benefit from wider industry experience. For shorter-term projects, we can provide dedicated consultancy support.

  Who pays the consultant?

We do. Consultants will remain on DQM GRC’s payroll and subject to our employment terms and conditions (though you may be able to vary these where appropriate), and will carry out the tasks assigned by you.

  What types of projects and roles could we use the consultant for?

DQM GRC consultants are experienced in working in all areas of data protection implementation and can apply best-practice knowledge to your business. These areas include:

• Data retention – full business strategy, reviews and policy implementation;
• Data mapping – data collection and set-up of Article 30 records;
• Third-party due diligence – implementation of new assessments and reviews of contracts; and
• General data protection support – assistance with day-to-day business operations;
• Data protection officer (DPO) support.

We will work with you to understand the skills, experience and technical knowledge you require, then identify one or more consultants who may be suitable. You can interview the candidates and choose the individual you feel will be the best fit.

Your chosen consultant will report directly to you for the duration of the engagement. You will be responsible for line managing them, with DQM GRC available to support you. If you would like help with assessing the quality of their work DQM GRC can provide an assurance service; if you need to replace them for any reason (such as to cover a temporary period of absence, or because they have not proven to be a good fit), DQM GRC can find you an alternative resource. Your consultant will be happy to provide training and knowledge transfer to your own team where appropriate.

Towards the end of your interim or secondment contract, you will be offered the opportunity to extend the engagement. If you choose not to do this, your consultant will provide you with handover notes and appropriate training for their successor if required.