Data Governance Officer

New City College; Greater London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

New City College is seeking a proactive Data Governance Officer to support data protection, information governance, transparency and compliance. You will report to the Group Director of Data Governance & Compliance and help ensure statutory obligations under UK GDPR and FOI acts are met.

The role involves guiding managers, coordinating SARs/FOI requests, delivering training, and supporting audits while fostering a culture of accountability and best practice across the College.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration and coordination of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and information rights requests.
• Coordinate Freedom of Information (FOI) requests ensuring statutory timescales are met.
• Provide guidance to managers and staff on data protection legislation and best practice.
• Support investigation and reporting of data breaches and information security incidents.
• Maintain data protection records, governance registers, and processing activity records.
• Assist with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and privacy risk assessments.
• Monitor compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation across the organisation.
• Deliver data protection training and raise awareness across the College.
• Liaise with the ICO as required on data protection matters.
• Produce management information, compliance reports, and performance data.
• Assist audits, reviews, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with legal, IT, compliance, and operational teams.
• Provide cover for Senior Group Complaints Officer during absences.

Skills

Data protection

Information governance

FOI requests

SAR handling

Training delivery

Job description

The Role:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Data Governance Officer to play a key role in supporting the College's commitment to data protection, information governance, transparency, and compliance. Reporting to the Group Director of Data Governance & Compliance, you will help ensure the organisation meets its statutory obligations under UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Freedom of Information Act.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in data protection, information governance, compliance, or public sector administration who enjoys working across teams, providing expert guidance, and helping to foster a culture of accountability and best practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the administration and coordination of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and other information rights requests.
• Manage and coordinate Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, ensuring compliance with statutory timescales.
• Provide advice and guidance to managers and staff on data protection legislation, compliance requirements, and best practice.
• Support the investigation, management, and reporting of data breaches and information security incidents.
• Maintain data protection records, governance registers, and records of processing activities.
• Assist with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and privacy risk assessments.
• Monitor organisational compliance with UK GDPR and related legislation.
• Deliver data protection training and awareness activities across the College.
• Liaise with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) when required.
• Produce management information, compliance reports, and performance data.
• Support audits, reviews, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across legal, IT, compliance, and operational teams.
• Provide cover for the Senior Group Complaints Officer during periods of absence.

Who You Are:

You have a strong understanding of data protection legislation, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and Freedom of Information requirements. You are highly organised, able to manage multiple requests and deadlines, and possess excellent attention to detail when handling sensitive and confidential information.

You are an effective communicator who can build positive working relationships and confidently provide guidance to colleagues at all levels. With a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous improvement, you are passionate about promoting compliance, transparency, and good governance. Experience of handling SARs, FOI requests, information governance processes, or compliance-related work would be highly advantageous, alongside a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.