At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on managing Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests.
- Company: Join a public sector organisation committed to data protection and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to improve processes and make an impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ensuring compliance with UK data protection laws.
- Qualifications: Experience in data protection and strong knowledge of UK GDPR and FOIA.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Data Protection Officer to join a public sector organisation and take a lead role in managing Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and information rights casework.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced information governance or data protection professional looking to play a key role in ensuring compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The Role
- Act as the central coordinator for SARs, FOI requests and complaints.
- Manage cases from receipt through to completion, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.
- Commission and coordinate information searches across multiple teams and directorates.
- Review information for relevance and sensitivity, coordinating redactions where required.
- Apply exemptions and ensure disclosure decisions are consistent, proportionate and defensible.
- Draft clear and accurate responses, including refusal and partial disclosure notices.
- Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on information rights obligations and records management.
- Liaise with government departments and other stakeholders where required.
- Maintain clear audit trails and accurate records of decisions.
- Identify recurring risks and opportunities to improve processes, templates and training.
You will have
- Proven experience managing SARs, FOI requests and information rights casework.
- Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and a practical understanding of FOIA.
- Experience commissioning searches, reviewing information and applying exemptions.
- Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality responses.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively where necessary.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and sound judgement when handling sensitive information.
This role would suit candidates from a Data Protection, Information Governance, Information Rights, FOI, Compliance or Records Management background.
Data Protection Officer (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Salford) employer: Reachwork
Join a leading Personal Injury practice in Birkenhead, where you'll thrive in a supportive and dynamic work environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to manage your own caseload from day one, benefiting from competitive salaries and hybrid working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. This is an excellent opportunity for ambitious paralegals looking to grow their careers within a rapidly expanding team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Salford)
✨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 Reachwork looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Salford)
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 Reachwork. 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 Reachwork
✨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 Reachwork’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
