Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Are you seeking a challenging and fulfilling position in information governance? Do you possess the expertise to ensure adherence to data protection laws and industry best practices? If so, consider joining Buckinghamshire Council's Information Governance team as the Council’s Data Protection Officer. Buckinghamshire Council is a unitary authority providing a wide range of services to more than half a million residents.
About us
The Information Governance, Complaints & Improvements service forms part of a wider Legal and Governance team, ensuring that the council meets its statutory responsibilities related to information management, data protection, freedom of information, and records management. Our efforts are strongly supported by our colleagues in Legal, Business Assurance, and Democratic teams.
We operate collaboratively and flexibly to provide high-quality advice and support to both internal and external customers. We value professionalism, integrity, and innovation, and we aim to foster a culture of excellence and awareness in information governance throughout the organisation.
The Information Governance (IG) team is led by the Head of Service and works together with the Complaints & Improvement team. The IG team comprises information governance specialists, case officers, and specialist social worker redactors. Additionally, the IG team oversees Information and Data management, with a dedicated manager and officers managing electronic and on/off-site storage of Council information.
As a successful and well-respected team within the Council, we are now exploring methods to enhance our handling of personal data. Specifically, we're seeking innovative approaches to improve oversight in managing personal data by incorporating insights from breach incident reports, data protection impact assessments, data sharing, and privacy practices
Amy Roscoe, Senior Information Governance Manager said - "Information Governance is a forward-thinking team that values trust, collaboration and innovation. Being part of the team presents many new challenges and opportunities and it is rewarding to work in an area where we can support service users, implement improvements and see the positive impact of our work."
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
About the role
You will be employed in a large and complex organisation that manages extensive personal data across various services and functions. You will engage with a diverse array of service users and partners, both internally and externally, contributing positively to the lives of Buckinghamshire residents. This role provides an opportunity to consider a vast array of Data Protection queries, ensuring you stay current with the latest updates and changes in data protection legislation, guidance, and best practices. You will receive support from a team of highly respected professionals who balance the need to protect personal data with the need to enable effective and efficient service delivery within an organisation that values your role.
As a Data Protection Officer, you will be instrumental in shaping, sustaining, and evaluating the council's information governance framework, strategy, policies, and procedures collaborating with colleagues from information governance, legal, and IT services when necessary. You will offer expert advice on intricate data protection issues, ensuring adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Additionally, you will maintain the council's liaison with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and address complaints and data security incidents, with the support of our friendly team.
You will also play a role in delivering training and awareness programs focused on data protection and related subjects. Part of your responsibilities include engaging with senior managers and stakeholders to foster a culture of data protection awareness and responsibility. This is an opportunity to significantly impact how the authority handles personal information.
The Council offers a variety of learning and development opportunities. You'll work within a supportive and collaborative team dedicated to creating and implementing innovative solutions to enhance data protection compliance and performance.
On-the-go:
Our ‘on-the-go’ roles mean you’ll usually start and finish your day from a base, moving around between different locations throughout the day. You won’t need a fixed desk to work from, but you’ll have access to our network where you can keep up to date with admin and the latest staff updates.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following skills, experience, and attributes:
1. A relevant professional or vocational qualification in data protection, information governance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
2. A thorough knowledge and understanding of data protection legislation, regulations, systems, policies, procedures, and best practice.
3. Substantial experience of planning and delivering specialist compliance, legal, statutory, or regulatory services within a large or complex organisation.
4. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage with colleagues, partners, and customers at all levels in complex or politically sensitive situations.
5. Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise a complex workload, set deadlines, and cope with conflicting and changing demands.
6. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess the impact of legislation and ensure organisational compliance.
7. Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others to high levels of performance.
8. A commitment to the values and behaviours of Buckinghamshire Council: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy.