Senior Data Protection Advisor
Farringdon | £58.3k - £63.6k per annum (dependent on skills and qualifications) | Full time | Hybrid
Joint-contribution pension from 6% (12% total) – Enhanced maternity & family leave – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Virtual GP & Employee Assistance Programme plus retail and leisure discounts & many more.
The Senior Data Protection Advisor plays a key role in ensuring SGN complies with data protection legislation across the business, as part of the Legal Services function.
The role supports the development and embedding of the data protection framework, providing practical, risk-based advice to protect personal data and enable compliance. It is a hands‑on position requiring strong technical expertise.
Acting as a subject matter expert, the role works across all business areas to embed good data protection practices, deliver assurance activities, and support the effectiveness of controls.
Working with senior stakeholders across multiple teams, the role also mentors Data Protection Champions and helps strengthen data protection capability across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Be the first point of contact within the company for all day‑to‑day data protection matters and work with SGN colleagues as required to address data protection matters
- Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new and/or changes to processes and systems, review DPIAs for higher risk processing; conduct Legitimate Interest Assessments and Transfer Risk Assessments as required
- Provide data protection expertise into AI governance processes, including advising on data protection considerations within AI systems, automated decision‑making and emerging technologies as part of relevant DPIAs and risk assessments
- Create and maintain data protection policies and standards on the agreed governance frequency
- Develop and deliver training and guidance on data protection requirements
- Scope and deliver second line assurance activities to validate data protection controls across SGN
- Where appropriate, provide advice and guidance on technical data protection matters including data protection contract clauses and data sharing agreements
- Work with the wider Legal Team to ensure contracts and service agreements meet data protection requirements
- Manage responses to individuals seeking to exercise their personal data rights (data subject access requests, requests to erase or correct personal data etc.)
- If necessary, assist in response to incidents involving the loss or breach of personal data, and work closely with the DPO, IT, Information Security, and other colleagues on the personal data breach aspects of wider cybersecurity incidents
- Monitor, review and respond to any data protection queries raised by internal or external stakeholders, including matters sent directly to the data protection email account
- Design and deliver regular and relevant staff awareness training on data protection via internal training platform and in person where required
- Monitor changes to data protection laws and other emerging trends of relevance to SGN
- Maintain and update appropriate registrations with the regulatory authorities, the ICO
What you will need
- Strong knowledge of UK/EU data protection (UK GDPR, DPA 2018)
- Experience with DPIAs, risk mitigation, and commercial data protection clauses
- Familiarity with Microsoft Purview and AI governance
- Background in compliance, assurance, or risk within complex organisations
- Commercially aware with strong stakeholder management skills
- Experience in regulated or critical infrastructure environments preferred
- EIR knowledge and relevant qualifications (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM) desirable
Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.
If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.
