Classifications
Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.
Senior Information Governance and Data Protection Officer
The Senior Information Governance and Data Protection Officer is a key operational leadership role within the Information Governance Team at Achieving for Children. Offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis with the potential for extension, the primary focus of this position is to provide direct line management and supervision for a newly expanded team of Information Governance Officers and Assistants. The postholder will ensure smooth daily operations, handle complex data protection escalations, and provide crucial regulatory cover for the Head of Service.
About the role
Working closely with the Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer, you will provide robust operational leadership for the service. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Team Management & Administration: Onboarding new staff, embedding excellent administrative standards, and overseeing the team's daily operations.
- Handling Escalations: Acting as the main point of escalation for operational issues and leading on the investigation and resolution of complex complaints regarding data breaches, Subject Access Requests (SARs), and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
- Deputising for the Head of Service: Providing full cover for the Head of Information Governance as required and leading on regulatory requirements in their absence.
- Compliance Oversight: Maintaining oversight of wider compliance activities, including supporting the initial review process for Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and Privacy Notices.
- Managing Breaches and FOIs: Overseeing the processing of FOI requests and taking a lead role in managing data breaches and information complaints.
To learn more about this opportunity, feel free to reach out to Anna Spackman at anna.spackman@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
- Proven line management experience, including exceptional administrative and organisational skills to coordinate team workloads, multitask, and prioritise conflicting deadlines.
- An ability to investigate complex data breaches and complaints, exercising discretion and problem-solving skills to ensure strict legal compliance.
- Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation (including the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and FOI), alongside a deep understanding of confidentiality and information security principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills that are open, persuasive, and pragmatic, allowing you to explain specialist or complex issues clearly to a wide range of individuals.
- Desirable qualifications and background, including a BCS Practitioner certificate in data protection and proven experience working in a Children’s Service environment.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
