Data Protection Advisor

Staffordshire Police; Stafford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible / Agile Working

Onsite gyms

Pension Scheme

Job summary

Staffordshire Police is seeking an experienced Data Protection Advisor to strengthen privacy, governance and compliance across the organisation. You will work with the Data Protection Manager and DPO to embed data protection principles and support organisational change.

The role covers advising on UK GDPR, DPIAs and information sharing, with opportunities to influence senior leaders and technology projects. A permanent post offering a comprehensive benefits package is available.

Qualifications

• Recognised Data Protection Practitioner qualification or equivalent.
• Level 7 qualification in a relevant subject.
• Proven experience in data protection or information governance.
• Strong knowledge of privacy legislation and information risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on privacy, information governance and legislative compliance.
• Support major projects with practical data protection advice.
• Review DPIAs, DPAs and ISAs.
• Investigate data breaches and security incidents; identify trends and improvements.
• Assess privacy risks with new technologies and AI solutions.
• Help develop policies and guidance promoting best practice.
• Deliver training and awareness on data protection responsibilities.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, auditors and regulators.
• Act as Deputy Data Protection Officer in absence of the DPO.

Skills

Data protection

Information governance

Stakeholder engagement

Privacy laws

Education

Data Protection Practitioner qualification

Level 7 qualification

Job description

Contract Type Permanent

Job Title Data Protection Advisor

Grade £40,383-£47,046

Contract Type Permanent

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Staffordshire Police is continually striving to deliver the best possible service for the county’s residents, businesses and visitors. It is a fast-paced organisation, adaptive to modern policing needs and open to continual improvement.
Everyone who works for the force has an important role to play in shaping the future of Staffordshire Police. The force seeks people who will champion new ways of working, be collaborative and agile and represent in a fair and ethical manner those that Staffordshire Police serves.

About The Opportunity

At Staffordshire Police, how we manage and protect information is fundamental to maintaining public trust and delivering effective policing. As technology evolves and the use of data becomes increasingly complex, we’re looking for an experienced Data Protection Advisor to help shape and strengthen our approach to privacy, governance and compliance.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional and supportive team within the Chief Officer Directorate, where you'll work closely with the Data Protection Manager and Data Protection Officer to ensure data protection principles are embedded across the organisation.

About The Role

As Data Protection Advisor, you'll provide expert guidance on privacy, information governance and legislative compliance, helping colleagues across the force navigate complex data protection challenges with confidence.

You will play a key role in supporting organisational change, digital transformation and technology projects, ensuring privacy-by-design principles are considered from the outset. You'll also support the investigation of data breaches, advise on emerging technologies including AI, and help drive continuous improvement in data protection practices across the force.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence organisational decision-making, work with senior leaders and contribute to maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities we serve.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing specialist advice on UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Law Enforcement Processing provisions and associated regulatory guidance.
• Supporting major projects, technology implementations and organisational change programmes with practical data protection advice
• Reviewing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) and Information Sharing Agreements (ISAs).
• Investigating data breaches, security incidents and complaints, identifying trends and recommending improvements.
• Assessing privacy risks associated with new technologies, information-sharing arrangements and AI solutions
• Supporting the development of policies, procedures and guidance that promote best practice across the organisation
• Delivering training and awareness activities that improve understanding of data protection responsibilities.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders, partner agencies, auditors and regulators.
• Acting as Deputy Data Protection Officer in the absence of the Data Protection Manager.

What We’re Looking For

We're seeking a knowledgeable and proactive professional who can combine technical expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach.

To Be Successful, You'll Have

• A recognised Data Protection Practitioner qualification (or equivalent
• A Level 7 qualification in a relevant subject.
• Proven experience in a data protection or information governance role.
• Strong knowledge of privacy legislation, information risk management, AI and data ethics.
• Experience of building effective relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills
• Experience of managing incidents, breaches and competing priorities effectively.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to translate complex legislation into clear, practical advice.

Why Join Staffordshire Police?

This is more than a compliance role.

You’ll be part of an organisation that is committed to innovation, accountability and continuous improvement. Your expertise will help shape how data is managed, shared

Closing date:

8th October 2026 Midday

Interview date:

TBC

In addition to your salary, you will have access to a range of benefits including:

• Pension Scheme - Employers Pension contribution 21.5% Staffordshire Pension Fund - Staffordshire Pension Fund - Home (staffspf.org.uk)
• Generous holiday entitlement, plus Bank Holidays.
• Flexible / Agile Working
• Sick pay scheme
• Fostering friendly policy
• Family friendly policies – maternity, paternity, parental leave, adoption, disability leave and carers leave
• Access to health and wellbeing support
• Eye care vouchers
• On site Gyms
• Staff associations
• Reward and Recognition
• Blue light Card
• Flexible working options
• Training and development opportunities
• Car lease scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free Parking at selected sites
• Onsite catering facilities
• Access to Staff Networks
• Union support
• Financial products and services

Please note that applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified/experienced individuals. However prior consideration will be given to applications from individuals who are ‘at risk’ and employed by Staffordshire Police. If an appointment is made from that at risk group, the post may be withdrawn. In this event, a representative from the People Services team will notify any affected applicants.

Staffordshire Police is fully supportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and strives to employ a workforce that represents the community we serve.

Our vacancies are open to everyone and all appointments are made based on merit. We encourage and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups which include: Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, female, people who have a disability, those who are neurodivergent and persons of the LGBTQ+ community.

We use positive action to encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups through targeted step-In support and advice sessions. If you have the skills, experience and values, that here in Staffordshire Police we pride ourselves on, then we would welcome you to apply.

For more information on Positive Action please email the team on [e-mail]

For any Recruitment queries please email [e-mail]

Residency Eligibility

Please note you will need to have been a resident in the UK for the last three years consecutively for RV Level roles and five years for MV Level roles (see below link around Vetting for more information)

Please Note If You Are Successful At Interview And Commence Pre-employment Checks This Will Include Vetting, Please See What This Involves And The Process Via The Below Link

Police vetting process | Join The Police (joiningthepolice.co.uk)