At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing data protection and compliance operations.
- Company: Achieving for Children, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting young people.
- Benefits: 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and comprehensive employee support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in data governance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in line management and strong knowledge of data protection legislation.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
Working closely with the Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer, you will provide robust operational leadership for the service. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Team Management & Administration: Onboarding new staff, embedding excellent administrative standards, and overseeing the team's daily operations.
- Handling Escalations: Acting as the main point of escalation for operational issues and leading on the investigation and resolution of complex complaints regarding data breaches, Subject Access Requests (SARs), and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
- Deputising for the Head of Service: Providing full cover for the Head of Information Governance as required and leading on regulatory requirements in their absence.
- Compliance Oversight: Maintaining oversight of wider compliance activities, including supporting the initial review process for Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Privacy Notices.
- Managing Breaches and FOIs: Overseeing the processing of FOI requests and taking a lead role in managing data breaches and information complaints.
About you
- Proven line management experience, including exceptional administrative and organisational skills to coordinate team workloads, multitask, and prioritise conflicting deadlines.
- An ability to investigate complex data breaches and complaints, exercising discretion and problem-solving skills to ensure strict legal compliance.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation (including the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and FOI), alongside a deep understanding of confidentiality and information security principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that are open, persuasive, and pragmatic, allowing you to explain specialist or complex issues clearly to a wide range of individuals.
- Desirable qualifications and background, including a BCS Practitioner certificate in data protection and proven experience working in a Children's Service environment.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract).
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Important Information
- Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
- Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
- Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Senior Information Governance and Data Protection Officer employer: Achieving for Children Community Interest Company
SPAR IC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, you will have access to exciting training opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in the digital retail space. Our modern workplace culture promotes teamwork and flexibility, including options for teleworking, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Achieving for Children Community Interest Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Achieving for Children Community Interest Company looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Achieving for Children Community Interest Company. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving for Children Community Interest Company
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Achieving for Children Community Interest Company’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
