Information Governance Officer

Information Governance Officer

Full-Time 38220 - 41771 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support compliance with data protection laws and manage information governance processes.
  • Company: Join the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, a forward-thinking public sector organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in how we manage data and support regional projects.
  • Qualifications: Experience in data protection or compliance and a keen eye for detail.

The predicted salary is between 38220 - 41771 £ per year.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint an Information Governance Officer to join our Legal and Governance team to support the provision of independent oversight and advice on compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation. The role is central to the practical operation of the MCA’s Information Governance framework, supporting compliance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, and related guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The postholder works under the direction of the Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager (who acts as the statutory Data Protection Officer) to ensure that day-to-day information governance processes are delivered consistently, accurately and in line with legislative and organisational requirements.

What you’ll be doing

The Information Governance Officer contributes to the effective functioning of the service through casework delivery, administrative management and monitoring activity. They support the coordination of information governance processes across the organisation. Working under the direction of the Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager, key work areas include:

  • Supporting the completion of Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests within statutory timeframes
  • Maintaining information governance and data protection support logs
  • Preparing regular reports for MCA boards
  • Supporting information governance and data protection processes, such as Data Protection Impact Assessments, considering risk implications and mitigation
  • Supporting the data breach/incident process, to minimise immediate risks and mitigate future breaches.

What you’ll bring

  • Experience of working in an information governance, data protection, legal administration or compliance environment
  • Understanding of information governance principles and relevant legislation (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, FOI Act, EIR)
  • Experience in handling confidential or sensitive information in a professional setting
  • Experience of managing administrative processes with accuracy and attention to detail.

We’re particularly interested in people with experience of working in the public sector.

Why choose us?

As Information Governance Officer, you will play a key support role in how the MCA manages its information as a strategic asset by:

  • Supporting the MCA to take great care of the data entrusted to us
  • Supporting major projects and programmes to be compliant with legislation
  • Contributing to our new Information Governance framework and team.

This is not just a compliance role — it is an opportunity to support great governance at the heart of regional delivery. This is an opportunity to make a real difference.

The closing date for this role is midnight on 27th September 2026. The interviews are planned to be held on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th October at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6AL, but please note the date may change.

Working arrangements

The Mayoral Combined Authority has a hybrid working approach, which enables employees to split their week between working in the workplace and working remotely. Full-time employees are required to work in the office for 1 to 2 days a week and can work from home for the remaining days. This approach aims to maintain a work-life balance while ensuring effective delivery of services.

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

  • 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service.
  • 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
  • Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
  • Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
  • Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £38,220 - £41,771. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, we provide interview questions to all shortlisted candidates in advance/on request. This approach helps ensure everyone can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience fully, and supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010. You will also be asked follow-up questions during the interview to explore your responses in more detail.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.

Information Governance Officer employer: West of England Combined Authorities

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority offers a dynamic and supportive work environment at its modern office in Bristol, where employees can truly make a difference in the community. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working options, and an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, this is an ideal place for passionate project managers to thrive and contribute to meaningful regional initiatives.

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Contact Details:

West of England Combined Authorities Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Information Governance Officer

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We think you need these skills to ace Information Governance Officer

Knowledge of UK GDPR
Understanding of Data Protection Act 2018
Familiarity with Freedom of Information Act 2000
Experience in handling confidential information
Administrative management skills
Attention to detail
Ability to prepare reports

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 West of England Combined Authorities. 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 West of England Combined Authorities

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

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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 West of England Combined Authorities’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!