Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead RNLI's data protection compliance and drive transformational change.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a respected lifesaving organisation with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of data protection while saving lives at sea.
- Qualifications: Experience in GDPR and strong communication skills are essential.
Data Protection Officer
Salary: 62,623 – 73,674 (dependent on experience)
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Location: Poole, Dorset, England
Location description: Hybrid working between home and Poole, 3 days a week
Interview date: 20 – 23 October 2025
Closing Date: 09-10-2025
Reference: 20355
These are exciting times at the RNLI. Through our continuous improvement programme, we are driving fast-paced, transformational change that allows us to save more lives at sea in new and creative ways. We are engaging with different audiences, developing new products and finding even more effective and streamlined ways of running our lifesaving service, and we are working in a highly regulated and changing legal environment. Agility and innovation are high on our agenda as we transform our culture and the way in which we operate.
About the role
This role will have high visibility across the organisation and is an exciting opportunity to lead the RNLI through a programme of change to transition to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance and contribute to our data transformation journey.
Skills, knowledge and experience
The ideal candidate will have substantial knowledge and experience of the data protection legal framework, including GDPR. You will have a proven track record of translating regulation into auditable processes and demonstrate the ability to embed and promote best practice in data processing activities, especially in a digital supporter engagement context. You will need to work with the programme team to develop and implement a data protection compliance framework.
We are looking for candidates who have strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to translate regulation to a variety of audiences and to take a pragmatic approach to managing programmes of work.
You will need good reporting and presentation skills relating particularly to the technology required for this role. This role is ideally suited to someone with experience of working in a large organisation.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Data Protection Officer employer: RNLI
Contact Detail:
RNLI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Protection Officer role. Highlight your experience with GDPR and data protection frameworks, and don’t forget to showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex regulations clearly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about data protection and how your values align with the RNLI’s mission. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent communication skills, consider including examples of how you've successfully translated complex regulations for different audiences. This will show us that you can effectively engage with various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Know Your GDPR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied GDPR principles in previous roles, and think about specific examples where you've translated regulation into practical processes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires translating complex regulations to various audiences, practice explaining data protection concepts in simple terms. Prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers and showing how you can effectively communicate with different stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific data protection challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to compliance and be ready to outline your approach to problem-solving and ensuring best practices are followed.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
This role involves managing programmes of work, so highlight your organisational abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or tasks, particularly in a large organisation, and how you keep everything on track while ensuring compliance.