At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests while ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector team focused on data protection and information rights.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with excellent stakeholder engagement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the public sector while shaping data protection processes.
- Qualifications: Experience with information rights casework and strong knowledge of UK GDPR and FOI.
This is a contract until 30/10/2026, working in a digital-focused environment, with a competitive day rate in the £500 umbrella range. The role is based in one of several UK hubs - Belfast, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Nottingham or Salford - on a hybrid model (2 days per week in the office).
The opportunity:
- Act as the central coordinator for Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and complaints.
- Log, triage and track cases end-to-end, ensuring statutory deadlines are met and any extensions or exemptions are applied appropriately and defensibly.
- Commission searches and input from different directorates, setting clear instructions, deadlines and quality expectations, and chasing/escalating where needed.
- Review material for relevance and sensitivity, coordinate redactions in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and FOIA, and maintain a robust audit trail.
- Draft clear, accurate responses (including refusal or partial disclosure notices), ensuring the right sign-offs and a consistent professional tone.
- Provide practical advice and guidance to colleagues on information rights, records handling and effective searches.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including central government departments where required.
- Identify recurring risks and themes and help to improve processes, templates and training.
- Support wider knowledge and information management activities as needed.
What our client is looking for:
- Proven experience handling information rights casework - especially SARs and FOI requests - including commissioning searches, applying exemptions and drafting high-quality responses.
- Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, plus a practical understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and statutory timescales.
- Ability to work as a self-starter, managing competing priorities and driving cases through to completion in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to handle sensitive information and maintain accurate records and audit trails.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence, challenge constructively and communicate clearly at all levels.
- SC clearance (or the ability to obtain it) will be required.
Why this could appeal to you:
- Rare chance to work on a high-impact public sector assignment.
- Hybrid working with a choice of several UK locations.
- Scope to shape processes and best practice around FOI, SARs and wider data protection.
- Engage with a wide variety of stakeholders while remaining hands-on with complex casework.
Data Protection Officer in Cardiff employer: NonStop Consulting
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer in Cardiff
✨Dive into Industry Groups
Join compliance and risk management groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. These communities often share temp job postings and insights. You’d be surprised at how many temporary gigs float around through word of mouth!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider creating content on compliance topics that get you noticed—think LinkedIn articles or even a blog. This not only shows off your knowledge but can grab the attention of companies like NonStop Consulting when they’re searching for someone to fill a temporary position.
✨Tap into Recruitment Agencies
Reach out to recruitment agencies that specialise in compliance and risk roles. They’re usually in touch with companies looking to fill temporary roles, which can save us a lot of time in our job search.
✨Go Local with Networking
Attend local compliance and risk seminars or workshops. Meeting professionals in our area can open up temp opportunities, and it’s a great way to make your face known in the industry—plus, you might even meet someone from NonStop Consulting!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compliance Know-How:When you’re applying for a compliance-risk role like Data Protection Officer, make sure to highlight your understanding of industry regulations and risk management principles. Mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or projects that showcase your expertise in these areas—it's what sets you apart!
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the compliance-risk field, strong analytical skills are essential. Talk about your experiences that required critical thinking and data analysis, whether in past roles, internships, or academic projects. Show us how you've identified risks and implemented solutions in the past.
Tailor Your CV for the Temporary Role:Since this is a temporary role, focus on your availability and flexibility in your CV. Highlight any previous short-term roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. This helps employers see you as an easy fit in their team!
A Concise Cover Letter is Key:Keep your cover letter short and focused! Explain why you're interested in the compliance-risk area specifically for this temporary position at NonStop Consulting. Mention what you hope to learn and achieve, showing your enthusiasm and motivation to contribute positively during your time there.
How to prepare for a job interview at NonStop Consulting
✨Know Your Compliance Basics
Make sure you're clued up on the key compliance and risk regulations pertinent to the industry you're applying to. Understanding frameworks like GDPR or AML will not only impress but also show that you’re ready to hit the ground running in your temporary role at NonStop Consulting.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. They might ask how you'd handle a specific compliance issue. Think through real situations you’ve encountered in past roles or study hypothetical cases to showcase your analytical skills and practical judgement during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly to new environments and team dynamics. Share examples of how you’ve successfully adjusted to changes in past roles and how this flexibility can benefit NonStop Consulting in the short term.
✨Gather Your Technical Tools
Familiarise yourself with commonly used compliance tools or software, as they might come up in the interview. If you've used tools for risk assessments or compliance tracking, mention those and be ready to discuss how they can streamline processes at NonStop Consulting.
