Data Protection Officer

Our client is a large local government organisation and looking for an experienced Data Protection Officer to join their team

This is initially a 3 month contract which may be extended for the right candidate

You will

1. Fulfil the statutory role of Data Protection Officer for the council and ensure the authority is compliant with UKGDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Be the primary point of contact and advice for all staff and members in relation to the processing of personal data across all services and influence the organisational culture and approach to information governance.
2. Handle information rights requests, including requests for access to personal data and requests for erasure and deal with requests from external organisations for the disclosure of personal data held by the council.
3. Carry out investigations into data breaches including making decisions as to the necessity to report breaches to the Information Commissioner's office. Make recommendations for procedural change and disciplinary action, as appropriate, depending on the impact of the breach.
4. Ensure published privacy information is GDPR compliant and up to date and take responsibility for policy and procedure for all matters relating to Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations.
5. Provide guidance and advice to staff and Members on compliance with Data Protection legislation including the production of Data Protection Impact Assessments through the regular chairing of an Information Governance Working Board and submission of reports and updates to the Information Governance Board.
6. Act as the authority's link officer with the Information Commissioner, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman and Housing Ombudsman.
7. Ensure that the council provides an effective and compliant procedure for dealing with formal complaints across all service areas.

1. To define and ensure record management processes are followed across the Council.
2. Investigate and produce detailed responses to complaints received from the Local Government and Social Care and Housing Ombudsmen. Ensure compliance with orders and recommendations from the ombudsmen and work with service directors and managers to ensure there is a culture of learning from complaints across the organisation.

1. Responsibility for the council's compliance with Freedom of Information and Environmental Information legislation with the effective, prompt and accurate response to requests.

1. Provide guidance and advice to staff, managers and Members on compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations.
2. Promote organisational learning from complaints including regular reporting to Executive Leadership Team and Members on complaint statistics and learning.
3. Assist the Monitoring Officer, as required, with general policy and project work.
4. Produce corporate policies and providing information for self-assessments and inspections and responding to relevant legislation.

Provide effective leadership and strong performance management of the information and complaints team. Be accountable for staff related matters within the team by ensuring that Human Resource policies are implemented appropriately including performance management, learning and development, absence, discipline and grievance issues

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS INSIDE SCOPE OF IR35