Senior Information Governance Officer in Gateshead

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help shape how information is managed, protected and shared across the Council, enabling services to deliver with confidence and transparency. The Information Governance team plays a vital role in helping the Council manage information safely, lawfully and transparently. Working closely with services across the organisation, the team provides expert advice and support on data protection, information rights, records management and wider information governance matters. The team helps ensure compliance with legislation, promotes best practice, supports transparency obligations and enables services to use information effectively while protecting the rights of residents, customers and employees.

Be the trusted information governance expert supporting colleagues, protecting personal data and driving compliance across the organisation.

What you will get to do:

• Provide expert advice on information governance legislation, regulations and procedures, ensuring services understand and comply with current requirements and emerging changes.
• Support Council services with day-to-day data protection and information governance matters.
• Work with stakeholders to implement legislative requirements relating to data processing principles, information asset registers, records of processing activities, records retention and disposal.
• Advise on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), helping services identify and mitigate privacy risks.
• Support the management of Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, including internal reviews and the provision of advice and training.
• Support the delivery of data protection training and awareness across the organisation.
• Provide advice and guidance on data sharing agreements and data processing agreements.
• Assist in the development and review of policies, procedures and guidance to ensure statutory compliance.
• Support the Data Protection Officer (DPO) with ICO notifications, investigations, audits and regulatory activity.
• Investigate personal data breaches, provide advice to services and maintain breach records.
• Manage enquiries, complaints and requests relating to the use of personal information and data subject rights.
• Provide data protection due diligence support during procurement and commissioning activities.
• Produce accurate data, reports and management information as required.
• Deliver advice, training and support to elected Members and officers, including developing content for internal communication and learning platforms.
• Contribute flexibly to the wider objectives of the team and undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Make a real impact by helping the Council manage information responsibly, transparently and in line with evolving legislation.

What you will bring:

• Expert knowledge of information governance and data protection legislation, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information (FOI), Subject Access Requests (SAR) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).
• Experience working within an information governance, data protection or compliance environment.
• Experience of developing and implementing policies, procedures and standards in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Experience of designing and delivering information governance or data protection training.
• Strong ability to draft, review and interpret complex documents, agreements and guidance.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain complex legislation clearly to a range of audiences.
• An appropriate legal, ISEB, GDPR or equivalent data protection/information governance qualification.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.