The Scottish Funding Council is Scotland’s tertiary education and research authority. Our ambition is to make Scotland an outstanding place to learn, educate, research, and innovate. We invest around £2 billion every year, enabling colleges and universities to provide life-changing opportunities for over half a million people.
We’re looking for people who will connect with our guiding principles, including working in partnership, championing diversity, and supporting sustainability for future generations. We are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Information Governance, you will lead on responding to information rights requests and fulfil the role of the Data Protection Officer. You will work closely with senior leaders, supporting the Assistant Director to deliver the Information Governance Framework.
As an experienced Information Rights and Data Protection practitioner, you will manage sensitive, complex information, building trusted relationships and exercising good judgement in your work.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leading the response to information rights requests, ensuring legal compliance with relevant legislation.
2. Providing a senior contact point for queries in relation to information rights and data protection, including complex ones.
3. Ensuring understanding of responsibilities within data protection legislation and information rights among staff, evidenced through reporting and auditing.
4. Promoting an information governance culture throughout the organisation.
5. Advising SFC staff about their obligations under the UK GDPR and other relevant data protection laws.
6. Coordinating and liaising with stakeholders and external partners.
7. Identifying opportunities to improve and implement positive change within Information Governance.
8. Managing and advising on internal data protection activities, including Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements.
9. Maintaining SFC’s Records of Processing Activities (RoPA) to ensure accuracy and understanding of responsibilities by information asset owners.
10. Assessing and responding to personal data breaches, including reporting to senior management and the ICO.
11. Contributing to the Information Governance Oversight Group on development and compliance issues.
12. Monitoring SFC’s compliance with the UK GDPR and data protection policies, raising awareness and conducting audits.
13. Acting as the first point of contact for the ICO and stakeholders, including data subjects.
14. Supporting policy formulation and implementation to meet all relevant legislation and best practice.
Person Specification
Essential Requirements:
1. Experience in data protection and information rights, supporting compliance with relevant legislation.
2. Understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape of information governance.
3. Commitment to continuous professional development relating to legislative changes and best practice.
4. Ability to demonstrate good judgement in complex issues.
5. Excellent communication skills and experience in drafting reports and policies.
6. Interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and work collaboratively.
7. Ability to work autonomously and manage tasks effectively.
8. Organizational and planning skills to manage diverse priorities.
9. Qualification to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience.
Desirable Criteria:
1. Experience as a Data Protection Officer, preferably in a public sector context.
2. Experience enhancing information governance culture in an organization, preferably within the public sector.
Additional Information
Location
SFC offers hybrid working in the UK, with a minimum of one day a month in the office. Relocation expenses are not available.
Key Rewards and Benefits
1. Full-time hours of 35 per week with flexible working arrangements.
2. Annual leave of 26.5 days pro-rata, rising to 30 days after 4 years’ service.
3. Flexible hybrid working with in-person contact with colleagues.
4. Annual pay review in April with the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy.
5. Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
6. Support for continuous professional development.
7. Health and wellbeing support, including generous sick pay and 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
8. Support for travel to work, including cycle loan schemes and season ticket loans.
The Selection Process
Please send your CV and cover letter. The selection panel will use this evidence to assess your application against the selection criteria in the Person Specification. Your CV should include your educational and professional qualifications and career history.
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