Data Protection Officer in Gloucester

Role Description

Main Responsibilities:

• Hold the post of Force Data Protection Officer and Force Freedom of Information Officer, with responsibilities as set out in the Association of Chief Police Officers Data Protection and Freedom of Information Authorised Professional Practice (APP).
• The post holder will be responsible for the final sign off of disclosures made on behalf of the Chief Constable.
• The post holder will be the point of contact for the Information Commissioners Office, managing any S55 Data Breaches and where necessary notification to the ICO. This includes maintaining a log of all breaches, a rationale for reporting, reviewing practices, and liaising with specific internal departments to advise on mitigating current or future risks.
• Providing appropriate strategic advice, assistance, guidance, and compliance by interpreting relevant legislation to ensure information disclosure or compliance aspects are duly regarded at all levels and within Constabulary policies, procedures, guidance, and projects.
• Provide advice to project managers through the implementation of Privacy Impact Assessments and keeping a log of all advice given regarding this process.
• Manage the Information Disclosure Team within the force, using the Individual Performance Review (IPR) system to manage staff performance, ensuring that annual and interim meetings take place and objectives are agreed and actioned.
• Develop and provide an effective and efficient appeal mechanism as required under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
• Implement and maintain a Data Protection and Freedom of Information training package suitable for all personnel within the Constabulary, ensuring all personnel are kept up to date with changes to legislation, including maintenance of a training log and escalation to line managers to ensure compliance with annual and/or mandatory training.
• Have a thorough working knowledge of the formal disclosure of information to statutory bodies and individuals in various disciplines, including Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulation (EIR), Data Protection Subject Access Requests (DP SAR), and others.
• Ensure that all disclosures made meet legal obligations while applying best practices to protect information throughout the organisation, implementing regular reviews to ensure requests are dealt with in line with service level agreements and legislation/national guidance.
• Research nominals, analyse and evaluate all information, particularly crimes, intelligence, and other relevant information from local force systems, and where appropriate, interrogate national databases to gather evidence for relevant documentation.
• Maintain a good working knowledge of all relevant DP and FoI legislative guidance, policies, and procedures, advising on implications of related developments external to the Force at local, regional, and national levels.
• Create Data Processing Agreements with outside contractors and liaise with the Force Vetting Officer to ensure that contractors associated with the agreement are vetted to the appropriate level.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with other Forces and outside agencies while ensuring representation of the Constabulary at regional and national levels as appropriate.
• Be the focal point in the Force providing advice on Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and Information Sharing matters, ensuring implementation of all necessary policies, procedures, and measures in compliance with the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) for Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and Information Sharing.

Additional Information:

• Vetting Level: The role must be vetted to a minimum of Management Vetting (MV & SC).
• Mobility: The Force reserves the right to request you to carry out any other duties or move you to any other post appropriate to your grade, at any location within the county of Gloucestershire, as business requirements dictate.
• Working Pattern: Normal working hours will average 37 per week or will be pro rata, subject to the needs of the service and may involve shift, night, weekend, and public holiday working.
• Standards of Professional Behaviour: All members of Police Staff / Police Officers must comply with these standards.
• Travel: The post holder will be required to travel to attend regional and national meetings.
• Training and Development: The postholder will be required to maintain professional knowledge and attend any other courses appropriate to the grade of the role.

Minimum criteria for role:

• Hold a professional Data Protection and/or FOI qualification.
• Proven substantial Data Protection / FOI experience, particularly around decision making.
• Experience of managing a team.
• Experience of working in a confidential environment and able to demonstrate a high level of personal integrity.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to demonstrate accuracy to detail.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of working within a policing environment would be desirable.