Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager in Bristol

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint an experienced Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager to join our Legal and Governance team to provide independent oversight and expert advice on compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation. This is a great opportunity for an experienced data protection professional who can translate complex legislation into clear, practical advice and help services across the MCA to manage personal data responsibly, fairly and lawfully.

What you’ll be doing:

• Act as the statutory Data Protection Officer, acting autonomously and independently to carry out statutory duties and lead the MCA in data protection compliance and best practice.
• Report to the Head of Legal Services; drive a range of strategic information governance projects and provide expert guidance to senior leaders across the organisation.
• Take strategic lead on the Information Governance Framework and all matters of Information Governance, including Data Protection, Information Rights, Freedom of Information and Records Management.
• Provide effective leadership and management of the Information Governance team in delivering an efficient and effective Information Governance Service.
• Ensure completion of Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests within statutory timeframes.
• Provide advice on data handling/processing in line with the principles laid down by UK GDPR, DPA.
• Support completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments, considering risk implications and mitigation.
• Liaise with partner organisations and suppliers to establish compliant data flows and agreements.
• Advise and support drawing up data sharing agreements and external third‑party contracts.
• Deal with data breaches/incidents to minimise immediate risks and mitigate future breaches.

What you’ll bring:

• Experience in providing expert advice on all matters relating to the Data Protection Act, the UK GDPR, Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations, information security and records management in a large, complex, preferably local government organisation.
• Subject matter expertise in the Data Protection field with in‑depth knowledge of all relevant legislation and its operational implementation.
• Experience developing, reviewing, delivering, managing and recommending improvements in policies, procedures, controls, monitoring systems and performance to support effective information governance and data protection.
• Extensive knowledge of Data Privacy Impact Assessments, development and review of Information Sharing Agreements; information risk and records management.
• Experience in investigating data breaches or incidents and recommending and implementing mitigating risk factors.

Why choose us?

• Influence decision‑making at the highest level.
• Support major programmes and investments that directly affect the region.
• Shape a maturing Information Governance framework at a critical stage of development.

About The Company:

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service.
• Option to increase annual leave through purchase scheme.
• 2 days paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible, family‑friendly and hybrid working options to ensure a good work/life balance; typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week.
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.

Salary: £63,685 – £69,665 full‑time equivalent (pro‑rata for part‑time).

Equal Employment Opportunity: We are a founding member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer. We welcome applications from under‑represented groups and make full consideration for all qualified applicants. We provide interview questions to shortlisted candidates upon request to support equality under the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments: If you have an accessibility need, disability or condition that may require changes to the application or recruitment process, please contact our Resourcing Team.