Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint an experienced Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager to join our Legal and Governance team to provide independent oversight and expert advice on compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation. This is a great opportunity for an experienced data protection professional who can turn complex legislation into clear, practical advice and help services across the MCA to manage personal data responsibly, fairly and lawfully.

What you'll be doing

In this key role, you will act as the statutory Data Protection Officer acting autonomously and independently to carry out statutory duties and lead the MCA in data protection compliance and best practice. Reporting to the Head of Legal Services, your key responsibilities in this role will also include driving a range of strategic information governance projects, providing expert guidance to senior leaders across the organisation on a range of projects, and helping shape a strong, compliant information culture across the organisation. You will take the strategic lead on the Information Governance Framework and all matters of Information Governance, including Data Protection, Information Rights, Freedom of Information and Records Management. You will provide effective leadership and management of the Information Governance team in delivering an efficient and effective Information Governance Service, including: ensuring completion of Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests within statutory timeframes, the provision of advice on data handling/processing in line with the principles laid down by UK GDPR, DPA, the provision of advice and support in the completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments, considering risk implications and mitigation, liaising with partner organisations and suppliers to establish compliant data flows and agreements, advising and supporting in drawing up data sharing agreements and external third-party contracts dealing with data breaches/incidents, to minimise immediate risks and mitigate future breaches.

What you'll bring

• experience in providing expert advice on all matters relating to the Data Protection Act, the UK GDPR, Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations, information security and records management in a large, complex, preferably local government organisation
• subject matter expertise in the Data Protection field with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of all relevant legislation and its operational implementation
• experience in developing, reviewing, delivering, managing and recommending improvements in policies, procedures, controls, monitoring systems and performance to support effective information governance and data protection
• extensive knowledge of: Data Privacy Impact Assessments, development and review of Information Sharing Agreements; information risk and records management
• experience in dealing with the investigation of data breaches or incidents and the recommendation and implementation of mitigating risk factors

We're particularly interested in people with experience of working in the public sector.

Why choose us?

• Influence decision-making at the highest level
• Support major programmes and investments that directly affect the region
• Shape a maturing Information Governance framework at a critical stage of development

This is not just a compliance role - it is an opportunity to embed good governance at the heart of regional delivery. This is an opportunity to make a real difference. Find out more If this sounds like your next opportunity, There's more information for you in the job description.

The Mayoral Combined Authority has a hybrid working approach, which enables employees to split their week between working in the workplace and working remotely. Full-time employees are required to work in the office for 1 to 2 days a week and can work from home for the remaining days. This approach aims to maintain a work-life balance while ensuring effective delivery of services. For more information, you can visit the WECA careers page.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England
• The salary for this role is £63,685 - £69,665. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Good Employment Charter As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we're committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, we provide interview questions to all shortlisted candidates in advance/on request. This approach helps ensure everyone can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience fully, and supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010. You will also be asked follow-up questions during the interview to explore your responses in more detail.

Reasonable Adjustments If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don't wait to apply. If you have started your application, we'll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency? We're not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.