Data Protection Specialist

Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 37 hours per week Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams on 18 June 2025 This role requires a basic DBS check as part of Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks as you will access sensitive information. Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible servicesto residents, visitors and businesses. They are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public and commercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex. The Council are seeking a Data Protection Specialist who will be responsible for developing and coordinating effective Data Protection and Information Governance advice and support across Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations. Duties of the role As an essential member of the Information Services Team, you will provide a first point of contact for data breaches, queries around how personal information should be handled, providing advice and guidance to stakeholders across the organisation. The role will require you to manage registers, logs and actions to track and report on incidents, queries, risks, draft sharing agreements, respond to FOI and subject access requests. You will support the Data Protection officer and act up as the Data Protection Officer when necessary. You will undertake Data Protection Impact Assessments for new projects, and the development of key resources and activities such as policies and procedures, training and guidance documents. Qualifications and skills required To be successful in this role, you must be educated to degree level or equivalent, hold a qualification in GDPR / Data protection or evidence extensive knowledge of information governance and data protection legislation, looking for an opportunity to have a real impact, improve governance and associated processes. Knowledge of best practice in the handling of personal data, and experience in providing advice and guidance in this area. You must have knowledge of the Data Protection Act and UK General Data Protection Regulation and have the ability to convey this knowledge to others. You will have sound organisational, analytical and communication skills and must be able to work with a wide range of stakeholders. You will also have a strong background in customer service and administration skills and enjoy sharing your knowledge and skills with others. What we offer The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period. Other benefits include: Flexible working Gym, travel and online retail discounts Excellent training, development and progression opportunities For an informal discussion about this vacancy, please contact Laura Wheeler at Laura.Wheeler@colchester.gov.uk For further information regarding this vacancy, please click here . #J-18808-Ljbffr