Data Protection Apprentice

DWF; Leeds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF is seeking a motivated Data Protection Apprentice to join their central Data Protection team in Leeds. This role offers the chance to gain hands-on experience in data privacy, regulatory compliance, and governance.

The successful candidate will assist with managing data subject rights requests and contribute to implementing the firm’s data protection framework. DWF values a diverse and inclusive work environment, offering support to help everyone succeed.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the review and tracking of Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).
• Support the rollout of the firm’s data privacy framework and policies.
• Provide administrative support to the Data Protection team as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Why join us?

We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Data Protection Apprentice to support our central Data Protection team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in data privacy, regulatory compliance, and governance.

Reporting to the Data Protection Officer, our team sits within our central services, Risk & Excellence function. The successful candidate will assist with managing data subject rights requests and contribute to the implementation and ongoing development of the firm’s data protection framework, ensuring compliance with data protection and other applicable regulations.

Responsibilities

Individual Rights Requests (Data Subject Rights)

• Assist with the review, logging, and tracking of Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and other individual rights requests (e.g., rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, objection)
• Support the coordination of responses across internal stakeholders (e.g., IT, HR, Legal teams)
• Help collate, review, and redact personal data in line with legal and regulatory requirements
• Ensure responses are issued within statutory deadlines and maintain accurate audit trails

Data Protection Framework & Compliance

• Support the rollout and embedding of the firm’s data privacy framework, policies, and procedures
• Assist with maintaining records of processing activities (ROPA)
• Contribute to data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and risk assessments
• Help monitor compliance with internal policies, relevant and emerging data protection legislation in the jurisdictions we operate
• Support awareness initiatives, including preparing materials for training and communications

General Support

• Maintain accurate records and documentation within the team’s systems
• Assist with incident and breach log administration
• Conduct basic research on data protection topics, regulatory updates, and best practices
• Provide administrative support to the Data Protection team as required

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Good IT skills (Microsoft Office; ability to manage data in Excel)
• Willingness to learn about data protection and regulatory compliance

Desirable

• Interest in law, compliance, or data privacy
• Experience in handling personal data and/or cyber security practices

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. Our approach delivers efficiency, price certainty and transparency for our clients across the world without compromising on quality or service. Our purpose is to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and we foster a culture that places our colleagues at the centre of all that we do.

We champion an environment where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, fostering a culture that supports and celebrates the unique contributions and aspirations of all our colleagues. We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity. Our goal is to ensure a positive experience for all team members, providing necessary adjustments and support to enable everyone to reach their full potential. If there's anything you need to perform at your best, we're here to help.