At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection initiatives and ensure compliance with UK GDPR across the organisation.
- Company: Join Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a top-rated mental health service provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team rated highly for staff morale and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data protection in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Masters level education or equivalent experience in information governance required.
The predicted salary is between 57528 - 64750 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Data Protection Officer (DPO) to join Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This is a key senior role providing independent expert advice and assurance on all aspects of data protection, privacy, and information governance across the organisation.
As the Trust's statutory DPO, you will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, acting as the primary contact with regulators and supporting a strong culture of safe and lawful data use. Working closely with the Board, SIRO, and Caldicott Guardian, you will lead on strategic information governance, provide expert guidance on complex issues, and support delivery of the Trust's Digital & Data agenda. This role offers the opportunity to shape data protection practice at system level, working across the Trust and with Integrated Care System partners.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has expert knowledge of data protection and information governance.
- Can influence at senior level and communicate complex concepts clearly.
- Has experience delivering compliance frameworks such as the DSPT.
- Is confident working autonomously in a specialist advisory role.
- Can lead a busy IG and Records Team.
Main duties of the job:
- Act as the Trust's statutory Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and relevant legislation.
- Provide independent, expert advice to the Board, SIRO, and Caldicott Guardian on data protection risks and requirements.
- Serve as the primary contact for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and data subjects.
- Lead development and assurance of Information Governance policies, procedures, and strategies.
- Oversee delivery of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit and wider compliance activities.
- Advise on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), information sharing agreements, and contracts.
- Lead or support investigations into data breaches and complex IG incidents.
- Provide assurance on data protection aspects of cybersecurity and digital initiatives.
- Produce reports and briefings for Board and governance committees.
- Line manage and develop the Information Governance and Records Management team.
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health services and a number of learning disability, autism and social care services in the county of Lincolnshire. Employing around 2,900 staff, and serving a population of over 768,400, our people lie at the heart of everything we do.
We offer options for flexible working and provide a wide range of training and promotion opportunities in all professions. We support and celebrate diversity, have active staff networks groups and are always looking at what more we can do to support our staff.
Details:
- Date posted: 20 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 274-12122-COR-A
- Job locations: Unit 9, The Point, Sleaford, NG34 8GG, United Kingdom
Qualifications:
- Educated to Masters Degree level, studying towards a Masters level degree or demonstrable and relevant equivalent experience in Information Governance or Information Security or Records Management field.
- On-going professional development in data protection and security management field.
Experience:
- In depth knowledge and expertise in data security, information governance and information security preferably in an NHS or public sector environment.
- Dynamic and confident at presentations and able to demonstrate ability.
- Experienced delivery of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
Skills:
- Clear demonstrable understanding of the Data Protection Act and GDPR Regulation, Records of Processing and the principles of Information Asset Management.
- Highly developed knowledge of structured project management methodologies, gained through either formal training or practical experience.
- Able to manage project and financial resources effectively, motivating staff to meet tight deadlines.
- Highly developed organisational and planning skills, with the ability to co-ordinate a number of work streams across different functions.
- Able to apply focused concentration for prolonged periods in developing complex strategies or legislation assessments, writing reports or analysing project status.
- Able to introduce change, often requiring the need to overcome significant barriers in introducing new working practices.
- Able to articulate complex data protection or technical (IT) issues simply to any involved parties.
- Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing to audiences at all levels.
Data Protection Officer in Sleaford employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer in Sleaford
✨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 National health service looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer in Sleaford
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 National health service. 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 National health service
✨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 National health service’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
