At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Council’s Information Governance service and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
- Company: Join Hackney, a vibrant and progressive borough in London committed to innovation and equity.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse team, enjoy flexible working, and influence public services.
- Other info: Hackney values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of information governance and make a real impact on community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in Information Governance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Shape the future of information governance in one of London’s most ambitious boroughs.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK.
We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition.
We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough.
But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
Hackney is transforming the way it delivers services for residents, businesses and communities.
As technology, digital services and data become increasingly central to everything we do, we are looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Information Governance & Statutory Data Protection Officer.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the Council’s Information Governance service while fulfilling the statutory role of Data Protection Officer.
You will influence strategic decision-making across the organisation, helping to ensure that privacy, transparency and information governance are embedded at the heart of everything we deliver.
Working with senior leaders, elected Members and services across the Council, you will provide expert advice on complex information governance matters, enabling innovation while ensuring compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation and wider information governance requirements.
About The Role
- Delivering the Council’s statutory Data Protection Officer responsibilities.
- Leading Information Governance, including FOI, Environmental Information Regulations, Subject Access Requests, Records Management, Data Protection Impact Assessments and breach management.
- Developing and delivering the Council’s Information Governance strategy, policies and assurance framework.
- Providing authoritative advice to senior leaders, Members and statutory partners on information governance, privacy and information risk.
- Leading organisational culture change to embed privacy by design across services, digital programmes and transformation initiatives.
- Maintaining the Council’s Record of Processing Activities (Ro PA), Information Governance risk register and governance framework.
- Supporting major transformation, procurement and digital programmes to ensure compliance is built in from the outset.
- Representing Hackney externally across regional and national information governance networks.
- You will also lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team while working collaboratively across services to improve governance, reduce risk and support better outcomes for residents.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced Information Governance professional with the credibility and confidence to operate at senior leadership level.
- You’ll Bring
- Significant experience leading Information Governance within a complex organisation.
- Expert knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation, Environmental Information Regulations and Records Management.
- Experience acting as, or supporting, a statutory Data Protection Officer.
- A proven track record of advising senior executives and influencing strategic decision-making.
- Strong experience of information risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- The ability to balance innovation, digital transformation and service improvement with robust governance and legal compliance.
- Professional qualifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent are desirable.
Why Hackney?
Hackney is one of London’s most diverse, vibrant and innovative boroughs.
We’re committed to delivering excellent public services while embracing digital transformation and putting residents at the heart of everything we do.
In return, you’ll join an ambitious organisation where your expertise will directly influence corporate strategy, shape organisational culture and help protect the information that underpins every service we deliver.
If you’re ready to lead Information Governance at the heart of one of London’s most forward-thinking councils, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note
The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.
We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved.
In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.
We also welcome those interested in flexible working.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs.
If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney. gov. uk
- Closing date for applications : 23 August 2026 (22.59)
- Interview date : TBC
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Information Governance & Data Protection Officer employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Hackney. The collaborative culture and focus on diversity ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the borough's vision of excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Information Governance & Data Protection 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 London Borough of Hackney looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Information Governance & Data Protection 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 London Borough of Hackney. 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 London Borough of Hackney
✨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 London Borough of Hackney’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
