At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure data compliance and support a data-driven culture in a charity environment.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a purpose-driven charity making a real impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, wellbeing support, professional development, and more.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference while working with data in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of data protection regulations and strong communication skills.
Contract: Permanent, hybrid 35 hours per week
Salary: £35,426 - £38,093 per annum
Location: Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4PF
Closing date: Thursday 1st October 2026
We’re recruiting a Data Compliance Officer! You’ll be joining our Data & Insights team and be our data compliance subject matter expert (SME) in support of the successful delivery of the Blue Cross Data Strategy. In this position you will help us continue cultivating a data-driven culture across our organisation, building a charity-wide community focused on data. This is a hybrid role and you must be able to work from our Burford office in Oxfordshire twice a week.
More about the role
We are looking for a Data Compliance Officer to join our Data & Insights team within Information Services, working in close collaboration with our Head of Legal and Data Protection (DPO). In this role, you will be the day to day subject matter expert ensuring our data practices, marketing activities, and fundraising operations are compliant, robust, and aligned with current regulation. If you want to use your regulatory knowledge in a supportive, purpose-driven environment, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact.
This role focuses on delivering clear, practical compliance guidance across the charity rather than taking a theoretical or box-ticking approach. You will act as the go to contact for advice on the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) code, PECR, and HMRC Gift Aid compliance, while supporting the DPO to maintain alignment with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. Your day to day work will range from assisting with Subject Access Requests and data incident responses to reviewing targeted communications, ensuring valid permission statements are in place, and auditing third-party supplier standards.
You will collaborate closely with marketing, fundraising, and digital project teams to understand their goals and help them design compliant, effective processes from the start. Working alongside colleagues in Information Services, you will help develop data quality KPIs, establish standard operating procedures, and identify areas for automation and process improvement. You will also have the opportunity to advise on emerging challenges, including the responsible and transparent use of data in Artificial Intelligence, and deliver straightforward training and guidance that helps colleagues handle data with confidence.
About you
You have a solid foundation in data protection and direct marketing regulations, with a knack for translating complex legal rules into simple, practical advice that colleagues can readily apply. You take an analytical, considered approach to your work and feel comfortable balancing multiple projects, queries, and statutory deadlines without losing sight of detail. Collaboration is key to how you work. Rather than simply highlighting obstacles, you enjoy working alongside different teams to find workable solutions that achieve their objectives while keeping the organisation fully compliant. You bring sound judgment, the confidence to escalate risks when necessary, and strong communication skills that allow you to build positive working relationships across all levels of the charity.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- In-depth working knowledge of Direct Marketing Association code (DMA) and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
- A good working knowledge of UK GDPR, experience in the practical application of UK GDPR principles and effective monitoring of compliance, including Subject Access Requests and Data Privacy Impact Assessments
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and calmly to non-experts
- Ability to work with diverse personalities and different perspectives to find common ground and influence positive outcomes
- Possess the confidence and integrity to highlight and escalate risks.
- Possess strong attention to detail.
- Ability to demonstrate understanding of and application of our Blue Cross values
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Practical experience of fundraising, marketing, and income generation
- Demonstrable awareness of Gift Aid and the requirements for HMRC compliance
- Experience of working in a not-for-profit environment
- Good working knowledge and understanding of risk management
- Experience of being part of a project team
How to apply
Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.
Blue Cross benefits
Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today. In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.
Our generous benefits package includes:
- Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)
- Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support
- Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family
- Health cash plan
- Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme
- Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution
- Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.
- Life assurance
- 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Recognition scheme
- Annual volunteer days
- Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers
Data Compliance Officer employer: Blue Cross
Blue Cross is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture in Andover that prioritises both employee wellbeing and community engagement. As a Retail Cover Supervisor, you'll enjoy flexible hours while making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and people, all within a friendly team environment that values your contributions and encourages personal growth through various wellbeing programmes and generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Compliance 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 Blue Cross looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Compliance 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 Blue Cross. 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 Blue Cross
✨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 Blue Cross’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
