At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead information governance to protect and manage data for nature conservation.
- Company: Join the UK's largest nature conservation organisation with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and 34 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by shaping how information is trusted and used.
- Qualifications: Experience in information governance strategy and team leadership required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive, inclusive environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 53095 - 56687 £ per year.
You will love this role if you are motivated by using information well to deliver real-world impact. This is a senior, influential role with the opportunity to shape how information is trusted, protected and used across the UK’s largest nature conservation organisation.
As Head of Information Governance, you will provide enterprise-wide leadership for information management, ensuring our information assets are compliant, well-governed and enable confident decision-making, regulatory assurance and conservation impact. You will set the strategic direction for information governance, lead organisational change, and work closely with digital, legal and operational colleagues to embed effective, future-ready approaches including the use of platforms such as Microsoft Purview.
You will lead a specialist team and work with colleagues across the organisation, from Board level to front-line delivery, building capability, accountability and confidence in how information is managed. If you are excited by complexity, collaboration and making governance work in practice, not just on paper, then this role offers a genuine opportunity to make a difference.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:- Proven experience of setting and leading an organisation-wide information governance strategy, aligning information management priorities with organisational objectives and operational needs.
- Proven experience of implementing and embedding enterprise information governance platforms, specifically Microsoft Purview, including configuration, optimisation and driving adoption.
- Demonstrated skills in designing and operating data and information governance controls, including retention, sensitivity labelling, access management, metadata and audit reporting, using a proportionate, risk-based approach.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective information governance frameworks, including policies, standards and assurance arrangements that support compliance, risk management and continuous improvement.
- Applied knowledge of information-related legislation and regulation, including the Freedom of Information Act and UK GDPR, with experience translating regulatory requirements into practical organisational processes.
- Experience ensuring information assets are discoverable, trusted and well-managed, through consistent metadata, taxonomy and stewardship practices across structured and unstructured information.
- Proven experience of leading, developing and supporting specialist teams, building capability, performance and an inclusive, positive team culture.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and work collaboratively with senior stakeholders, communicating complex governance or technical concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences.
- Track record of planning and delivering change or service improvement initiatives, managing priorities, risks, resources and budgets to achieve agreed outcomes.
- Experience building organisational understanding and capability in information management, including designing and delivering training, guidance or behaviour-change activity.
- Demonstrated ability to provide clear assurance to senior leaders, including oversight of audits, regulatory reporting and engagement with internal and external assurance partners.
- Evidence of horizon-scanning and applying emerging best practice, standards and technologies in information governance to support future organisational needs.
This is a permanent, full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. Full details of the role, how to apply and the Guaranteed Interview Scheme we are running with this campaign, are included in the Recruitment Pack attached on our website. Applications close Sunday, May the 3rd, 2026. N.B. We reserve the right to extend this deadline should we not receive an appropriate volume of applications. First interviews will be held the week of June the 1st, 2026 and details will be provided to successful applicants in advance.
We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. No agencies please.
Locations
Pensions Governance in Glasgow, North East employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Governance in Glasgow, North East
✨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 values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around information governance and conservation impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience with Microsoft Purview and your leadership skills in information governance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, check out our Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you identify as a person of colour or disabled – we want to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Governance in Glasgow, North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Head of Information Governance role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your experience aligns with our needs. Highlight specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to lead information governance strategies and work collaboratively with teams.
Showcase Your Skills with Microsoft Purview: Since we’re keen on candidates with experience in Microsoft Purview, make sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements. Explain how you’ve implemented or optimised this platform in previous roles to show us you’re the right fit.
Be Yourself: We value diversity and want to hear your unique perspective. Don’t hesitate to share your personal journey and how it shapes your approach to information governance. Remember, we’re looking for authenticity as much as expertise!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in information governance strategies and the specific platforms mentioned, like Microsoft Purview. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant legislation, such as the Freedom of Information Act and UK GDPR, so you can confidently discuss how these apply to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving organisational change. Think about times when you’ve influenced senior stakeholders or implemented successful governance frameworks, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Complex Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your understanding of data governance controls and risk management. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially when explaining complex concepts to non-specialists, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Conservation
Since this role is with a nature conservation organisation, express your enthusiasm for using information governance to make a real-world impact. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect your professional skills with the mission of the organisation, showing that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested.