Data Protection Officer
Permanent | Open to FTC or Temp-to-Perm
Salary: up to £50,000 + strong public sector benefits
Hybrid working - 1-2 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 organisation's Data Protection and Freedom of Information functions. This includes acting as the primary point of contact with the Information Commissioner's 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 we're 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 £50,000, 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.