Data Protection Legal Counsel in Surrey, Woking

We’re excited to be recruiting a Data Protection Legal Counsel to play a central role in ensuring WWF-UK meets its data protection and privacy obligations and to provide support to the Legal team. Sitting within the Legal, Compliance & Assurance team, this role works closely with colleagues across the organisation to embed strong data protection practice, provide expert advice, support compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and ICO guidance, and support in reviewing and drafting SaaS and digital services contracts.

You’ll be responsible for maintaining and strengthening WWF-UK’s data protection framework, advising on privacy risks and data processing activities, and ensuring data protection is built into projects and ways of working from the outset. You’ll also lead on key processes such as data protection impact assessments, breach management and responding to data subject rights requests. Finally, you will provide legal support to the Legal team, including contract review, with a focus on draft data processing and sharing agreements, SaaS, IT licences and digital agreements.

This is a critical role for someone who combines strong data protection technical expertise with legal knowledge and the ability to work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and help the organisation manage risk while continuing to deliver its mission.

Skills and experience

• Proven experience working in a data protection or privacy compliance role
• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, PECR and relevant ICO guidance
• Experience conducting supplier privacy due diligence and reviewing/negotiating SaaS, IT licensing and digital services contracts
• Experience advising on data protection obligations, privacy risks and regulatory requirements
• Experience maintaining data protection frameworks, including policies, processes and records of processing
• Strong experience leading or supporting Data Protection Impact Assessments
• Experience investigating data breaches and managing privacy-related complaints
• Experience responding to data subject rights requests
• Ability to communicate complex data protection requirements clearly and practically to non-specialists
• Assist with drafting and negotiating contracts, working on a broad range of commercial matters
• Experience in negotiating with external suppliers
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage stakeholder relationships and to manage workload effectively with competing demands
• Strong alignment with WWF-UK’s mission and values

Desirable

• Law degree or equivalent level of experience or qualification (LPC or SQE1) is beneficial
• Legal experience in-house or in law firm
• Experience delivering data protection training or guidance across an organisation
• Experience working in a regulated, complex or charity environment
• Experience advising on privacy by design in project or programme delivery
• Relevant professional qualification in data protection, information governance or compliance

What we offer

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year pro-rated, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
• 5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

About WWF-UK

We're a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world. At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help. We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

How to apply

Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK. Application closing date - 07/06/2026

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself. We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter. Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent. We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting. If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.