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Global Data Protection Officer (DPO) & Counsel
Location:
London, GB
Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 118 premium private schools in 27 countries spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 90,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.
Founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices. The Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio. In 2023, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK's top 10 highest-value private companies.
ROLE SUMMARY:
Reporting to Inspired’s General Counsel, the Global Data Protection Officer & Counsel will lead our data privacy initiatives and ensure compliance with the UK’s Data Protection Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant global data protection laws. The DPO will act as the primary advisor to the business on all data protection matters, collaborating across departments to instil a culture of data privacy and secure handling of personal data and architecting a systematic
framework of data privacy compliance. This role will also directly support the General counsel and senior leadership team with all legal matters and the Group’s legal and risk management strategy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Implement a global data protection strategy aligned with GDPR and international laws.
* Ensure compliance across regions, providing regular risk and mitigation updates to leadership.
* Advise on regulations affecting HR, finance, and operations.
* Monitor legal changes, draft contracts, and manage disputes.
* Support systematization of legal processes with General Counsel.
* Develop and maintain data protection policies and procedures.
* Oversee creation of privacy notices and related documentation.
* Deliver tailored data privacy training for employees.
* Promote a culture of data privacy best practices.
* Develop and manage data incident response plans.
* Handle breaches, ensuring compliance and preventive measures.
* Lead DPIAs and privacy risk assessments.
* Embed privacy-by-design with tech teams.
* Ensure efficient processes for rights management.
* Act as primary contact for ICO and other regulators.
* Manage audits and respond to inquiries.
* Conduct audits of data processing activities.
* Provide compliance reports and dashboards to leadership.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security, Data Privacy, or a related field (Master’s degree or advanced qualification is a plus).
* Preferred certifications in data privacy (e.g., CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, CDPO).
Experience:
* Proven experience scaling a data compliance framework globally.
* Extensive experience in data protection or privacy roles within complex global organizations.
* Expertise in GDPR, the UK Data Protection Act, and other key data privacy regulations.
Technical Skills:
* Experience developing legal and risk management infrastructure in high-growth environments.
* Strong understanding of data protection laws, technical data security requirements, and practices.
* Proficiency in conducting DPIAs, data mapping, and managing data incident responses.
Soft Skills:
* Analytical and problem-solving skills to assess privacy risks and propose mitigation strategies.
* Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and influence decision-making at all levels.
* Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects.
* Adaptability to diverse cultures and legal frameworks in a multi-country educational environment.
* Resilience in fast-paced settings, embracing change and fostering innovation.
Who Will This Role Appeal To?
This role is ideal for someone eager to build and enhance Inspired’s global legal and compliance infrastructure during an exciting growth phase. It offers the chance to work closely with senior stakeholders across multiple geographies, make an immediate impact, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.
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