Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and embed a strong culture of data protection and privacy across the university.
- Company: Join Bournemouth University, a leading institution committed to inspiring learning and advancing knowledge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a defined benefit pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance in a dynamic and evolving organisation.
- Qualifications: Expertise in data protection and information governance, preferably in higher education or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Data Protection Officer to join our newly formed University Secretariat. This is a unique opportunity to shape and embed a strong culture of data protection, privacy and information governance across a dynamic and evolving organisation.
The DPO will provide authoritative, strategic advice to senior management and executive committees, playing an important leadership role in ensuring effective governance of personal data across the institution. As part of a newly emerging Secretariat, you will help develop, implement and maintain university-wide data protection policies, procedures, processes, standards and frameworks that support the University’s strategic ambitions and uphold compliance.
You will bring strong expertise in data protection and information governance, having operated at a senior level within a large/complex organisational setting, preferably with experience in higher education or the public sector. In-depth knowledge and application of data protection legislation, information security standards and ICO guidance is essential.
With the support of the Senior Freedom of Information Officer, you will oversee and support effective handling and processing of subject access requests and provide strategic oversight of the University’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations, and related legislation.
You will be someone with excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues across a wide range of seniority. You will be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally in a developing organisational structure.
In addition to a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension scheme and generous annual leave entitlement, this role provides an outstanding development opportunity to shape a new and growing Secretariat function. The wider team works flexibly and supports the University’s hybrid working policy.
The University Secretariat is a newly formed service centralising and bringing together expertise in governance, legal and compliance. The Secretariat currently comprises Corporate Governance, Legal Services, Company Secretarial support and the Information Office and maintains oversight of the University’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements imposed on it across a range of the University’s activities.
As part of this evolving service you will have the opportunity to shape the Information Office and contribute to the development of a broader, strong governance framework to support the University. We work closely with the University Board, the Executive and all Faculties and Professional Services.
Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.
BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society. To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Data Protection Officer employer: Bournemouth University
Contact Detail:
Bournemouth University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the data protection field! Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of data protection legislation and information governance. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles to demonstrate your value.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every organisation is different, so make sure you tailor your conversations and presentations to fit their specific needs. Research the university’s current data protection policies and think about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Bournemouth University.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Protection Officer role. Highlight your experience in data protection and information governance, especially if you've worked in higher education or the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data protection and how you can contribute to our newly formed University Secretariat. Be sure to mention any relevant legislation knowledge and your strategic approach.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a DPO, you'll need to engage with colleagues at all levels. In your application, demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past – we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Bournemouth University!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth University
✨Know Your Data Protection Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of data protection laws, especially those relevant to higher education and the public sector. Familiarise yourself with the ICO guidance and be ready to discuss how these regulations apply in a university setting.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically about data governance. Think about how you've previously shaped policies or frameworks and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your decisions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working with senior management and various departments, practice how you would engage with different stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you would communicate complex data protection issues in a way that resonates with non-experts.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific challenges you've faced in data protection and how you resolved them. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview, highlighting your analytical skills and your approach to problem-solving in a complex organisational environment.