At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic legal guidance on data protection, privacy, and information governance.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a leader in public service and environmental stewardship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and diverse employee benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data governance while working remotely with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 10+ years in data protection and information rights law.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 68000 £ per year.
Join Our Team: We’re excited to welcome a new Senior Data & Information Lawyer to join our Legal division. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required.
Role Overview
The Senior Data & Information Lawyer acts as the Trust’s senior legal adviser on information governance, data protection, privacy, cyber security, AI, and information rights matters, providing strategic guidance to ensure compliance, minimise risk, and promote robust governance across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Acting as the Trust’s senior legal adviser on information governance, data protection, privacy, cyber, AI and information rights law, including UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
- Advising the Trust, including senior leaders and directors, on complex information governance risk, statutory disclosure obligations, privacy compliance, data processing, data sharing, cyber incidents, AI adoption and regulatory exposure.
- Providing senior legal advice on data protection impact assessments, privacy-by-design, data processing agreements, data sharing agreements, controller/processor arrangements, joint controller arrangements, privacy notices and lawful use of personal data across Trust activities.
- Advising on AI, digital, cyber and information security matters, including privacy risks arising from new systems, AI-enabled tools, automated processing, data leakage, cyber incidents, emerging technology adoption and associated governance controls.
- Supporting the legal response to personal data breaches, cyber incidents, complaints, ICO enquiries, regulatory engagement and information rights challenges, ensuring proportionate and compliant handling.
- Advising on complex, sensitive or high-risk subject access requests, FOI requests, EIR requests, internal reviews, complaints and appeals, including application of exemptions, exceptions, redactions, disclosure risk and statutory decision-making.
- Supporting the Data Protection Officer and Information Governance team on regulatory compliance, risk escalation, statutory records, DPIAs, breach records, data sharing records, ICO correspondence and evidence of compliance.
- Supporting the development of governance frameworks, policies, procedures, templates and training to strengthen information governance compliance, improve consistency and reduce legal and regulatory exposure.
- Monitoring legislative, regulatory and technological developments in information governance, data protection, AI, privacy and cyber risk, identifying emerging risks and advising on implementation of required change.
- Providing legal advice on other information governance, privacy, cyber, AI and statutory disclosure matters affecting the Trust, as required.
About you
You are a qualified lawyer with significant experience in information governance, data protection, privacy and information rights law. Confident advising senior stakeholders, you bring strong knowledge of UK GDPR and related legislation, alongside experience managing complex compliance, disclosure, cyber and regulatory matters. You provide pragmatic, risk-based legal advice, work effectively under pressure, and are comfortable managing a varied caseload in a fast-paced environment.
Skills & Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer with significant experience, ideally 10+ years PQE or equivalent experience, in information governance, data protection, privacy and information rights law gained in private practice, public sector or in-house environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and associated regulatory guidance.
- Demonstrable experience advising on complex data protection, privacy, information rights, statutory disclosure, confidentiality and regulatory compliance issues.
- Experience advising on DPIAs, privacy-by-design, data processing agreements, data sharing agreements, controller/processor analysis, joint controller arrangements, privacy notices, records of processing and information governance frameworks.
- Experience advising on cyber incidents, personal data breaches, ICO engagement, complaints, regulatory investigations and information rights appeals.
- Experience supporting or advising a Data Protection Officer, Information Governance team or equivalent compliance function.
- Experience working within or advising a public sector, charity, infrastructure, regulated or public-facing organisation is desirable.
- Demonstrable experience advising senior leadership and operational teams on information governance risk and strategic implications.
- Ability to provide pragmatic advice and resolve complex legal issues in an operational environment.
- Ability to work autonomously, manage a wide and varied caseload and meet tight statutory and operational deadlines.
- Displays a can-do mentality and ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team.
Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Assess risks and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment, PPE, plant and materials are appropriate for the task. Consider your own and others’ behaviour.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer an annual salary of £68,000. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure.
Senior Data & Information Lawyer employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and teamwork. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the UK's canal network, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of our vital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data & Information Lawyer
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Canal & River Trust, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data & Information Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Canal & River Trust, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Canal & River Trust and the specific role of Senior Data & Information Lawyer. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Canal & River Trust’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Canal & River Trust.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Canal & River Trust.
