Data Protection Officer

Job Description

Data Protection Officer

Permanent Open to FTC or Temp-to-Perm
Salary: up to 50000 strong public sector benefits
Hybrid working 12 days per week on site

We are recruiting a Data Protection Officer to take on a critical governance and assurance role at a time of significant delivery pressure. This is a permanent vacancy though we may be open to a fixed-term or temp-to-perm arrangement for the right candidate.

The role exists to ensure the organisation continues to meet its statutory obligations around data protection information rights and information sharing while providing confident proportionate advice to senior stakeholders. Interim cover is currently in place but a long-term appointment is essential to maintain continuity reduce cost and manage organisational risk.

The role

Reporting into senior governance leadership you will hold responsibility for the organisations Data Protection and Freedom of Information functions. This includes acting as the primary point of contact with the Information Commissioners Office overseeing data breaches signing off disclosures and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and professional practice.

You will provide strategic and practical advice across the organisation support project teams with privacy impact assessments maintain robust disclosure processes and ensure staff are appropriately trained and supported. The role also includes line management responsibility for an information disclosure team and regular engagement with internal and external partners.

What were looking for

This role is suitable for someone who is professionally qualified as a Data Protection Officer but does not necessarily need to be highly experienced in post. We are open to candidates who are newly qualified provided they bring the right judgement integrity and public-sector mindset.

Essential requirements:

• A recognised professional Data Protection (and/or FOI) qualification
• The confidence to act as an organisational authority on data protection matters
• Experience working in a highly confidential regulated environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to advise senior stakeholders

Ideal background:

• Public sector experience particularly policing local government NHS central government or the charity sector
• Exposure to structured governance learning and compliance frameworks
• Experience supporting or delivering DPIAs / privacy impact assessments

Candidates whose experience is rooted solely in the private sector are unlikely to be suitable as the role relies heavily on public-sector governance structures and learning infrastructure.

Location & working pattern

• Applicants should be within reasonable commuting distance
• Hybrid working with 2 days per week on site initially reducing to 1 day per week over time

Reward

• Salary up to 50000 depending on experience
• Strong public-sector pension
• Ongoing CPD and professional development
• The opportunity to step into a trusted visible role with genuine organisational impact

Why apply

This is a high-trust appointment at a sensitive time. The organisation is clear that appointing the right person matters and will support someone who brings sound fundamentals good judgement and the willingness to grow into the role.

Please apply at your earliest opportunity.