Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead information governance strategy and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
- Company: Respected UK organisation focused on governance and assurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in data protection and governance while advising senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Expertise in GDPR, FOI, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 77000 £ per year.
Area of work: Corporate Services - Governance & Assurance
Contract type: Permanent
Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: From £55,000 (depending on experience)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
Other benefits include: Pension scheme, employee assistance programme, flexible working, learning and development opportunities
Closing date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Overview
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Information Governance and Data Protection professional to take on a pivotal role within a respected UK organisation. As the organisation's Governance Assurance Manager, you will serve as the strategic lead for information governance, data protection, information security, and statutory compliance.
The role includes acting as the organisation's independent Data Protection Officer (DPO), reporting directly to senior leadership and providing expert guidance on GDPR compliance, data protection risks, FOI obligations, and information governance best practice.
Working as part of the Governance & Assurance function, you will play a central role in maintaining high standards of accountability, transparency, and information security. You'll collaborate with teams across the organisation, including IT, senior leadership, internal audit, and regulatory partners, to ensure compliance frameworks are robust, effective, and well-understood by staff.
This is a great opportunity for someone who brings hands-on GDPR expertise, strong FOI/SAR experience, and confidence advising at senior level.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the organisation's Information Governance (IG) strategy, ensuring adherence to legislative, Regulatory, and policy requirements.
- Provide authoritative advice to Senior leaders on GDPR, FOI, records management, and IG-related compliance matters.
- Develop, maintain, and oversee IG, data protection, information security, FOI, and records management policies.
- Act as the organisation's Data Protection Officer, including monitoring GDPR compliance, advising on DPIAs, and serving as point of contact for the ICO and data subjects.
- Manage FOI and Subject Access Request (SAR) processes, ensuring timely and compliant responses.
- Oversee the publication scheme, retention schedules, and governance documentation.
- Investigate information security or data protection incidents and lead improvement activity following breaches.
- Work closely with IT to ensure technical information security controls align with policy and regulatory requirements.
- Deliver organisation-wide IG/IS training, including both general awareness and specialist sessions.
- Conduct internal audits, monitor compliance activity, and support statutory reporting to the ICO.
- Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders including internal audit, senior leadership committees, and partner regulators.
- Lead on information-sharing agreements and memorandums of understanding.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Recognised data protection qualification (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, BCS DPO Certification).
- Expert knowledge of GDPR, information governance, and data protection legislation.
- Demonstrable experience managing FOI and Subject Access Requests (SARs).
- Significant experience advising senior leaders and committees on IG/DPA matters.
- Strong knowledge of records management principles, retention schedules, and compliance frameworks.
- Experience designing and delivering IG/IS training to diverse audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing for senior stakeholders.
- Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and assess organisational impact.
Desirable
- Experience in a regulatory, health, or professional services environment.
- Understanding of the pharmacy or wider healthcare sector.
Who This Role Would Suit
- Someone with strong hands-on GDPR and FOI experience who enjoys applying practical compliance expertise.
- A confident communicator who can operate independently as an organisational DPO and provide authoritative advice at senior levels.
- A proactive professional with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to strengthening governance, information security, and assurance processes.
- An individual who thrives in a role with both strategic responsibility and operational delivery.
Governance Assurance Manager in City of London employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Assurance Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Assurance Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in GDPR, FOI, and information governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Governance Assurance Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves advising senior leaders and writing reports, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent written communication skills. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention any recognised data protection qualifications you have, like CIPP/E or CIPM. We’re looking for someone with solid credentials, so make sure these stand out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your GDPR and information governance knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific legislation and how it applies to the role. This will show that you're not just familiar with the terms, but you can also apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of situations where you've successfully managed FOI requests or advised senior leaders on compliance matters. Having concrete examples will help you demonstrate your expertise and give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Governance Assurance Manager, you'll need to communicate complex information clearly. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you might have to do this during the interview. This will highlight your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's current governance challenges or their approach to data protection. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
