Compliance Officer

Compliance Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure compliance with data protection laws and manage legal risks effectively.
  • Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, pension schemes, and employee wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Pathways for progression in an inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your career in compliance.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of data protection legislation and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA

Working Pattern: 18 hours per week term time + two weeks (41 working weeks), ideally worked over 2½ days per week, flexibility offered.

We are looking for a proactive and knowledgeable Compliance Officer to support our organisation in maintaining the highest standards of data protection, legal compliance, and information governance. This is a pivotal role for an individual with strong regulatory knowledge and a practical approach to managing legal risk, ensuring compliance with legislation such as UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Freedom of Information Act. Working closely with senior leadership, external legal advisors, and regulatory bodies, you will help safeguard organisational integrity while supporting the wellbeing and rights of the vulnerable individuals we serve.

Key Responsibilities

  • Ensure organisational compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act, and related legislation.
  • Manage subject access requests (SARs), FOI requests, data breaches, and support the maintenance of data protection frameworks.
  • Provide legal and regulatory guidance across operational areas, including policy reviews, investigations, and risk management.
  • Support governance activities through staff training, audits, inspections, reporting, and complaints resolution.
  • Maintain accurate records, contribute to strategic planning, and oversee information governance documentation and systems.

Key Requirements

  • Strong working knowledge of data protection legislation, information governance, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
  • Experience managing SARs, FOI requests, DPIAs, privacy notices, and data-sharing agreements.
  • Ability to provide clear legal and compliance advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage confidential information and competing priorities effectively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint, with confidence in maintaining digital records.

Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits and Salary

  • Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection.
  • Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme.
  • Employee Wellbeing – access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, enhanced parental leave, Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
  • Employee Discounts – Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more.
  • Other – Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Interview and Application Process

Interviews will take place on: 16 June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Compliance Officer employer: Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is an exceptional employer located in Sutton, Surrey, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, the organisation provides generous benefits such as flexible working hours, access to mental health support, and various salary sacrifice schemes. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals.
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

Contact Detail:

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Compliance Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the compliance field, attend industry events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK GDPR and related legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've handled compliance issues in the past and demonstrate your proactive approach to legal risk management.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed competing priorities and maintained confidentiality in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to handle the responsibilities of a Compliance Officer.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! Tailor your application to reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation's commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

We think you need these skills to ace Compliance Officer

Knowledge of UK GDPR
Understanding of the Data Protection Act 2018
Familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act
Experience managing Subject Access Requests (SARs)
Experience handling FOI requests
Ability to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
Proficiency in drafting privacy notices
Experience with data-sharing agreements
Strong organisational skills
Ability to manage confidential information
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications
Excellent communication skills
Regulatory compliance knowledge
Risk management skills
Training and auditing experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with data protection legislation and compliance frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Compliance Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant knowledge!

Showcase Your Organisational Skills: As a Compliance Officer, you'll need to manage various requests and maintain accurate records. Use your application to demonstrate your organisational prowess—mention any tools or methods you use to keep things in order, especially with Microsoft 365 applications.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for compliance and safeguarding shines through.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

✨Know Your Legislation

Make sure you brush up on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Freedom of Information Act. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them practically in your role.

✨Prepare Real-Life Examples

Think of specific instances where you've managed subject access requests or handled data breaches. Sharing these experiences during the interview will demonstrate your hands-on knowledge and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a Compliance Officer.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Since this role involves managing confidential information and competing priorities, be ready to talk about how you stay organised. Discuss any tools or methods you use to keep track of tasks and ensure compliance, especially with digital records.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the organisation’s approach to compliance and data protection. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company’s values align with yours, especially regarding safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

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