At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection efforts and ensure compliance with UK GDPR and DPA 2018.
- Company: Join a high-profile public inquiry making a national impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a nationally significant investigation.
- Qualifications: Experience as a DPO or senior data protection specialist required.
- Other info: Work in a respectful team with a focus on work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A sensitive and high-profile public inquiry is seeking an experienced DPO to join on a long-term contract basis. This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a nationally significant investigation with far-reaching impact.
The Role:
As the DPO, you will lead on all data protection matters, ensuring full compliance with UK GDPR and DPA 2018. You will provide independent, expert advice to senior leadership and act as a key point of contact for regulators, data subjects, and internal stakeholders. Working in an environment that handles large volumes of highly sensitive personal and special category data, your work will be critical to ensuring lawful, secure, and ethical processing of information throughout the inquiry’s lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Inquiry’s statutory Data Protection Officer under UK GDPR
- Provide expert advice to the Chair, Head of Legal, and Head of Corporate Support Services
- Guide DPIAs, breach management, and policy development
- Support responses to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information requests
- Engage with external suppliers and ensure data processing agreements are compliant
- Offer light-touch oversight of an Assistant DPO (operational line management sits elsewhere)
Ideal Profile:
- Proven experience as a DPO or senior data protection specialist, ideally in a public sector or regulated environment
- In-depth understanding of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, and handling of special category data
- Ability to advise senior leadership and work autonomously within a complex governance framework
- Calm, pragmatic, and ethical approach to data protection in sensitive, real-world contexts
Why Apply?
- Contribute to work of national importance with genuine societal impact
- Join a highly professional and respectful team environment
- Flexible working pattern and meaningful work-life balance
Data Protection Officer in Edinburgh employer: Barclay Simpson
Contact Detail:
Barclay Simpson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the data protection field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that DPO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK GDPR and DPA 2018. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points and examples from your experience that showcase your expertise in handling sensitive data.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on organisations that align with your values. We suggest checking out our website for roles that resonate with you, especially those that contribute to societal impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe this small gesture can help keep you top of mind for hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a DPO or in data protection roles. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how your skills match up.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re passionate about data protection and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of UK GDPR and DPA 2018.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you’ve successfully managed data protection issues or advised senior leadership. This will help us see your practical knowledge in action.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barclay Simpson
✨Know Your GDPR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK GDPR and DPA 2018. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations apply in real-world scenarios, especially in sensitive environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to data protection. Think about how you would handle breaches, advise senior leadership, or manage Subject Access Requests. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a DPO, you'll need to communicate complex information to various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully advised senior leaders or engaged with regulators in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to convey important data protection concepts effectively.
✨Highlight Your Ethical Approach
Given the sensitive nature of the role, it's crucial to convey your calm and ethical approach to data protection. Share experiences where you had to navigate complex ethical dilemmas or ensure compliance while maintaining trust with data subjects. This will resonate well with the interviewers.