Data Governance and Compliance Lead in Hailsham

This role is a part-time position of 22.2 hours a week. Are you looking for a fresh challenge and a better work-life balance? Do you enjoy variety, troubleshooting and keeping busy in a fast-paced environment? As a forward-thinking organisation, we recognise the important role that strong data governance plays in delivering effective public services and maintaining public trust.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Data Governance and Compliance Lead to continue to shape and strengthen the Council’s approach to data protection, information governance and regulatory compliance.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an experienced lawyer or data governance professional to join our supportive team. If you are an ambitious and proactive individual who is passionate about data protection, data governance and making a real difference in the public sector, we would love to hear from you. You will have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across the organisation. You will be comfortable working independently whilst also collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, providing clear, practical and proportionate advice on complex issues.

As our Data Governance and Compliance Lead, you will play a pivotal role in developing, implementing and embedding the Council’s data governance and compliance framework, helping to ensure information is managed effectively, securely and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the future of information governance within a dynamic and evolving local government environment.

What will the role involve?

• Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of the Council’s data governance and compliance framework.
• Support the Council’s compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to officers, senior managers and elected Members on data protection, information governance and other related matters.
• Monitor compliance risks, incidents and emerging issues, ensuring appropriate mitigation, learning and continuous improvement.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Significant experience within a legal, information governance, data protection, compliance or other related field.
• You will be either a qualified solicitor or barrister or a member of CILEX with a current practising certificate or hold an industry recognised qualification in data protection at Practitioner Level.
• Extensive experience in providing clear and coherent written and oral advice.
• The ability to prioritise competing data governance demands according to risk, impact, compliance requirements and organisational needs.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary & pension scheme.
• Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
• A friendly, supportive team.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal and confidential chat about this opportunity please contact Christopher Crichton – Legal Services Manager at christopher.crichton@wealden.gov.uk or Kirsty Ward – Information Governance Manager at kirsty.ward.@wealden.gov.uk. CVs will be accepted, provided that an application is also submitted via our online recruitment portal. Please only send your CV to human.resources@wealden.gov.uk.

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. At Wealden District Council, we are committed to fair, accessible recruitment and supporting colleagues with the adjustments they need to thrive. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements. AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.