Data Protection Officer (Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Salford)

We are recruiting for a Data Protection Officer to join a public sector organisation and take a lead role in managing Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and information rights casework.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced information governance or data protection professional looking to play a key role in ensuring compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Role

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• Act as the central coordinator for SARs, FOI requests and complaints.
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• Manage cases from receipt through to completion, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.
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• Commission and coordinate information searches across multiple teams and directorates.
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• Review information for relevance and sensitivity, coordinating redactions where required.
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• Apply exemptions and ensure disclosure decisions are consistent, proportionate and defensible.
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• Draft clear and accurate responses, including refusal and partial disclosure notices.
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• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues on information rights obligations and records management.
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• Liaise with government departments and other stakeholders where required.
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• Maintain clear audit trails and accurate records of decisions.
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• Identify recurring risks and opportunities to improve processes, templates and training.
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You will have:

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• Proven experience managing SARs, FOI requests and information rights casework.
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• Strong knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and a practical understanding of FOIA.
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• Experience commissioning searches, reviewing information and applying exemptions.
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• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality responses.
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• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively where necessary.
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• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlines.
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• Excellent attention to detail and sound judgement when handling sensitive information.
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This role would suit candidates from a Data Protection, Information Governance, Information Rights, FOI, Compliance or Records Management background.