In today’s data-driven workplace, Human Resources professionals handle some of the most sensitive employee data, making them key custodians of privacy, ethical governance, and regulatory compliance. The HR Data Privacy, Ethics, and Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA) Training Course empowers HR practitioners to confidently manage, protect, and process personal data within the evolving global legal landscape. With stricter regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) shaping how employee information must be handled, this course is designed to help HR teams mitigate risk, build trust, and safeguard organizational reputation.

This hands-on course blends theory with real-world application, providing a clear understanding of legal mandates, ethical dilemmas, and compliance strategies related to employee data management. Participants will learn how to map and audit HR data flows, enforce consent and access policies, train staff, respond to data breaches, and embed privacy by design into HR systems. Whether handling international personnel files, monitoring health and wellness data, or implementing AI-driven HR tools, HR leaders must uphold the highest data protection standards to remain compliant and competitive.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience
• HR Managers and Directors
• HR Compliance Officers
• Data Privacy Professionals in HR
• HRIS Managers and HR Tech Leads
• Talent Acquisition and L&D Professionals
• Compensation and Benefits Officers
• Employee Relations and Legal HR Advisors
• Internal Auditors and Risk Managers
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders

Course Objectives
• Understand the legal framework of GDPR, HIPAA, and other data protection laws
• Apply data privacy principles to HR operations and digital systems
• Build HR data governance structures that support compliance and transparency
• Navigate ethical challenges in employee monitoring and surveillance
• Implement data subject rights protocols (access, correction, erasure)
• Conduct data privacy impact assessments (DPIAs) for HR programs
• Develop incident response strategies and data breach communication plans
• Train HR staff on responsible data practices and accountability
• Foster a privacy-first HR culture with strong leadership support
• Ensure third-party compliance in outsourced HR functions
• Maintain data ethics in AI, analytics, and employee profiling

Module 1: Introduction to HR Data Privacy and Compliance
• Definitions of personal and sensitive employee data
• Overview of privacy laws and global regulatory trends
• Importance of privacy and trust in the digital workplace
• Key differences between GDPR and HIPAA compliance
• Role of HR in protecting data subject rights

Module 2: Legal Foundations: GDPR and HIPAA Explained
• Core principles and legal basis for processing employee data
• Consent, legitimate interest, and contractual necessity
• Lawful data sharing across borders and vendors
• HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules for health-related data
• Recordkeeping and legal documentation requirements

Module 3: HR Data Collection, Storage, and Use
• Mapping data flows and HR information lifecycles
• Secure collection practices and digital onboarding
• Access control, encryption, and storage policies
• Using employee data for decision-making and analytics
• Managing employee consent and opt-out mechanisms

Module 4: Privacy by Design and Default in HR Systems
• Embedding privacy in HRIS and cloud-based platforms
• Configuring user roles and data minimization
• Conducting privacy impact assessments for new HR tools
• Avoiding bias in AI and algorithmic decision-making
• Collaboration between HR, IT, and legal teams

Module 5: Managing Data Subject Rights in HR
• Right to access, rectification, erasure, and portability
• Handling employee data requests efficiently and legally
• Communicating privacy rights during onboarding
• Responding to objections and consent withdrawals
• Automating HR responses to data subject requests

Module 6: Third-Party Risk and Vendor Compliance
• Due diligence and contractual clauses for HR vendors
• Outsourcing payroll, recruitment, and benefits securely
• Standard contractual clauses and data transfer safeguards
• Monitoring vendor performance and audit readiness
• Managing subcontractors and offshore service providers

Module 7: Data Breach Management for HR Professionals
• Common causes and types of HR-related breaches
• Preparing HR breach response playbooks
• Detection, notification, and mitigation protocols
• Communicating breaches to employees and regulators
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement

Module 8: Ethical Challenges in HR Data Use
• Surveillance, tracking, and employee productivity tools
• Balancing transparency with legal obligations
• Diversity data collection and fairness in decision-making
• Ethical risks of people analytics and predictive modeling
• Building a privacy-conscious organizational culture

Module 9: Building a Compliant HR Privacy Framework
• Governance structures and HR privacy officers
• Auditing HR practices and maintaining accountability
• Integrating privacy training into HR development plans
• Developing HR privacy policies and employee notices
• Aligning HR data strategies with organizational ethics and goals

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.