Data Protection Support Officer in Suffolk

Reporting to Pod Leader

Job location: Hybrid (Ipswich Office min 2 days per week/Home-based) or Remote (Ipswich Office monthly visits for team meetings)

Employment status: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Candidate Profile: We’re seeking a commercially aware, detail-focused individual to join our team as a Data Protection Support Officer (DPSO). This role is perfect for someone with strong organisational and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to learn. While previous experience in a data protection, compliance, or similar support role is an advantage, it’s not essential – what matters most is your ability to manage multiple priorities, work with precision, and willingness to be trained in key operational tasks such as responding to Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs), maintaining Records of Processing Activities (RoPAs), supporting school audits, and triaging enquiries via our advice line.

As we are a service business, we look only to recruit proactive, motivated, and enthusiastic team players who are commercially savvy and passionate about their work. The ideal candidate will align with our core values and contribute positively to our culture. Successful candidates will excel at managing a diverse range of data protection responsibilities while contributing to the continued success and expansion of The DPO Centre. By skilfully prioritising tasks, handling conflicting demands with diplomacy, and upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism, attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work within deadlines are also essential, as is the ability to work independently while actively supporting the growth and development of our wider team.

To ensure every new team member is set up for success, we offer a comprehensive and structured onboarding process, including targeted upskilling, ongoing support, mentorship, and access to internal resources designed to build confidence and capability in core responsibilities. Candidates should demonstrate an open and forward-thinking mindset, particularly regarding the adoption of emerging technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supporting the full life cycle of DSAR requests
• Inform and advise organisations of their obligations
• Ensure all assigned DSARs are completed within agreed timeframes
• Ensure appropriate redactions/exemptions are applied as outlined in the Data Protection Act and other applicable legislation
• Manage client expectations and liaise with 3rd parties like the ICO (supported by a DPO where required)
• Manage and maintain a DSAR log
• Produce reports and information summaries on completed DSARs
• Guide clients in drafting and maintaining their Records of Processing Activities (RoPA)
• Support on school audits and triaging advice line enquiries
• Keep up to date with changes in data protection law and regulation
• Actively contribute to building the overall knowledge base of the DPO Centre’s team
• Support the development of DPO Centre’s internal processes to streamline service delivery

Career progression:

• Working with an ever more prestigious portfolio of clients
• The opportunity to develop sector specific expertise and become an expert in the field
• Data Protection Officer > Team leadership > Senior Management

Education and Experience:

• Experience working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented role - this could be in compliance, administration, legal, customer service, recruitment, or other operational environment
• Knowledge and experience of fulfilling DSAR requests is advantageous, but not essential
• A proactive attitude and eagerness to develop new skills in data protection operations and client service

Personal:

• Ability to work independently yet also be a strong team player
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• The ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality, trust and credibility
• Calm, controlled and resilient demeanour
• A commercial attitude towards time management
• Capable of dealing with complex issues using problem-solving skills
• Highly responsive with a can-do attitude and flexible working style
• Proven ability to deliver at pace and manage a quality service
• Open-minded and forward-thinking, with a willingness to embrace emerging technologies

Required Skills:

• A solid knowledge of the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and the provisions introduced under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Sufficient commercial awareness to understand, manage and navigate client expectation
• Project management skills to successfully manage and prioritise multiple tasks
• Excellent communicator with the ability to deliver a clear message to a variety of audience
• Ability to excel under pressure when working to tight deadlines

Advantageous Skills:

• Experience dealing with the full lifecycle of DSAR requests
• Familiarity with document handling or editing tools, including redaction or basic video editing
• Ability to communicate in another language, particularly a European language
• Exposure to sector specific frameworks e.g. FOI, DSPT, FSA, or an interest in learning about regulatory environment
• Confidence in guiding discussions and making decisions that balance risk, practicality, and client needs
• Awareness of privacy, compliance, or information governance topics from any professional context
• Experience using digital tools or case management systems to coordinate tasks and manage workflows

Compensation & Benefits:

• £30,000+ per annum, depending on experience
• Wellbeing Resources
• Remote/Hybrid Working
• Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Holiday Buy/Sell Scheme
• Working Abroad Scheme
• Maternity and Paternity Leave & Pay
• Bank Holiday Swap Scheme