Head of Data Security & IG (Deputy DPO)

The Head of Data Security & IG (& Deputy DPO) is responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with all legal, regulatory, and NHS standards relating to information governance, data protection, and confidentiality. This role will drive the strategic development of information governance for the ICB and the partners of the ICS and will be responsible for developing and implementing a fit for purpose information governance framework that takes account of best practice from national policy. This will include solution focused recommendations to complex information governance challenges across the ICB and in collaboration with ICS partners.

This position provides leadership and expert advice on the management of patient, staff, and corporate information, ensuring that data is handled securely and ethically across all systems and processes. The postholder will lead the Data Security & Information Governance function, working closely with senior managers, clinicians, and technical teams to embed a culture of compliance and best practice. The postholder will also be the deputy Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Main duties of the job include:

• Leading, managing, and coordinating a portfolio of services or programmes, ensuring effective delivery against agreed priorities.
• Supporting the Associate Director and Director in implementing ICB and system strategies that improve outcomes, quality, and efficiency.
• Providing visible and inclusive leadership, promoting a culture of collaboration, improvement, and accountability across teams and partners.
• Contributing to system integration and transformation by working across organisational boundaries and supporting the development of sustainable, person-centered services.

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities to achieve equity of access, experience and outcomes and to recognising and valuing people's differences. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity; we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes.

We are committed to creating the best place to work, where your contribution is valued, your wellbeing is supported and all our colleagues can reach their full potential. We welcome and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of their protected characteristic. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone, including making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition and support with the recruitment process for people with lived experience.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We operate a Carer friendly working environment that is supportive and inclusive. We actively encourage Carers to self-identify themselves. We are a Disability Confident Employer and commit to shortlisting suitable applicants who meet the essential criteria for an interview. Please inform us of any adjustments you may require.

Qualifications required include:

• Educated to Master's level or extensive equivalent level of experience in a relevant field (e.g. health, care, public services, management, or related discipline).
• Evidence of continuous professional development, with a track record of keeping skills and knowledge current.
• Significant experience at Senior Management (sub board) within the NHS, public sector, or a comparable complex system.
• Data Protection Officer (DPO) Qualification or equivalent level of experience in this field.

Essential knowledge includes:

• Experience in providing expert specialist knowledge in relation to Data Protection and Information governance e.g. confidentiality, Data Protection Act, Health and Social Care Act.
• Leadership experience in a complex, multi-agency environment, ideally within health and care commissioning.
• Demonstrable success in delivering organisational change, transformation, and integration at scale.
• Deep understanding of the NHS, Integrated Care Systems, and the wider health and care policy context.
• Strong track record in delivery of strategic planning, commissioning, and/or system-wide service redesign to improve outcomes and value for money.
• Evidence of working effectively with a broad range of partners, including local authorities, providers, community organisations, and national bodies.
• Experience of leading in a politically sensitive environment and balancing competing demands with diplomacy and sound judgement.

Essential skills include:

• Clear and effective communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building and partnership-working capabilities.
• Highly developed analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data to inform strategy, decision-making, and performance improvement.
• Proven ability to operate with political astuteness.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to ensure robust stewardship of public funds.
• Skilled in managing complexity and ambiguity, making sound decisions under pressure.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.