Data Protection Officer - Central Government in Edinburgh
Spinwell Global Edinburgh About the role
Role: Data Protection Officer REF 104216
Contract Length: Until 30/10/26
Location: Hybrid/Belfast, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Nottingham or Salford - 2 days per week in the office.
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: Market Rate
Security Clearance: SC requested
Spinwell is recruiting for a Data Protection Officer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DATA PROTECTION OFFICER
- Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and complaints about the client. Log, triage and track cases end-to-end, ensuring statutory timescales are met and extensions/exemptions are applied appropriately and defensibly.
- Commission searches and draft input from directorates, setting clear instructions, deadlines and quality expectations; chase and escalate where required.
- Review material for relevance and sensitivity; coordinate redaction in line with UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 and FOIA requirements; maintain an audit trail of decisions.
- Draft clear, accurate responses (and refusal/partial disclosure notices where needed), ensuring appropriate sign-off and consistent tone.
- Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on information rights obligations, records handling, and “what to look for” when conducting searches.
- Liaise with the client and other stakeholders as needed.
- Identify recurring risks and themes (e.g., record-keeping gaps, repeat requesters, common exemptions), and propose practical improvements to processes, templates and training.
- Support with knowledge and information management tasks as required.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE DATA PROTECTION OFFICER
- Proven experience coordinating and responding to information rights casework, such as SARs and FOI requests, including commissioning searches, applying exemptions, and producing high-quality written responses.
- Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and a practical understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, including statutory timescales.
- Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative as a self-starter, managing competing priorities and driving actions to completion in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to handle sensitive information, make clear, defensible decisions, and maintain accurate records/audit trails.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, able to influence and challenge constructively, and communicate clearly with colleagues at all levels.
If you are a Data Protection Officer, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!
We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable.
In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us.
Your tasks
Manage data protection requests and ensure compliance with UK GDPR regulations.
Your profile
Experience in handling information rights casework and strong knowledge of data protection laws.
What's also included
Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
Tech stack & ways of working
Data Protection Officer - Central Government in Edinburgh employer: Spinwell Global
Spinwell Global is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that promotes a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, the company provides ample opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that team leaders are well-equipped to support their caseworkers effectively. The collaborative culture fosters meaningful engagement with public sector operations, making it a rewarding place to contribute to impactful community initiatives.
Your perspectives
Be at the forefront of data protection and influence positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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.
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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 Spinwell Global looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
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 Spinwell Global. 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 Spinwell Global
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 Spinwell Global’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
Locations
- Edinburgh
