Overview
RBG Kew is seeking a talented data protection professional to join Kew in the statutory role of the Data Protection Officer (DPO). Personal data sits at the heart of the organisation, playing a key role in our strategic and operational decisions. We value the significance of people, and understand the importance of protecting and using their personal data in a secure and legally compliant manner.
With a robust and well-embedded data protection framework in place, the DPO is responsible for monitoring compliance, advising the organisation on its legal obligations and acting as a senior leader for data protection matters. The role will help to foster best practice throughout the organisation, maturing our existing framework and ensuring long term, legal compliance with data protection laws. The role benefits from a close working relationship with Kew’s information governance teams and Defra’s Data Protection Officer, with opportunity to collaborate with external data protection groups at both an industry and government level.
About You
The successful candidate will bring senior leadership to Kew on data protection matters, executing their statutory functions in line with UK data protection legislation, and have experience in operating at a senior level, handling personal data related incidents, data subject rights requests and providing detailed advice.
To succeed in this role, the candidate will need to be a subject matter expert on relevant legislation including, but not limited to, the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The candidate should have an understanding of records management and information security practices. The candidate must be able to confidently train our people at Kew and effectively communicate legislative requirements to all levels of the organisation, informing risk-based decision making.
The ideal candidate will have experience in managing data protection workstreams independently. The candidate will regularly report on compliance to internal stakeholders, including the Data Protection Steering Group, the Information Governance Group, Executive Board and the Board of Trustees.
The successful candidate will be the single point of contact for external data protection engagement, including with Defra, other cultural institutions and the UK’s data protection regulator.
Selection Process
First round interviews will be held in person at Kew on 11 February 2026. Second round interviews (which will include technical questions) are planned for 24 February or 25 February 2026, in person at Kew.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
About Us
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.
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