Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints Officer

Regulator of Social Housing; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A government regulatory body is looking for a Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints Officer in Leeds. This role involves managing information requests under GDPR, ensuring compliance, and handling complaints. The role offers a salary of £47,106 and includes a hybrid work model, flexible arrangements, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

33 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Health screening and well-being benefits

Qualifications

• Up-to-date knowledge of responding to rights requests under data protection laws.
• Excellent record keeping and organisational skills.
• Experience in customer service or complaints handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage responses to information requests under GDPR and related legislation.
• Liaise with colleagues to gather requested information.
• Oversee the complaints process and prepare responses.

Skills

Knowledge of data protection laws

Organisational skills

Customer service experience

Ability to influence others

Education

Qualification in information rights or data protection

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints Officer to join our Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints (DPIAC) team to take on a varied and valued role, working across the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). This is a 2 year fixed-term contract opportunity.

With a career at RSH you will be part of an organisation that makes a difference to people’s lives, regulating a sector that houses 4 million people across England. You will play an essential role in the regulator’s approach to compliance with data protection and information access legislation and in learning from and responding to complaints.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, approachable person with knowledge and experience of responding to Freedom of Information, Data Protection or Environmental Information requests. You will be responsible for managing the responses to information requests made to the Regulator of Social Housing under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and to requests to re-use information.

Responsibilities

• Manage responses to information requests under GDPR/DPA 2018, FOI Act 2000, EIR 2004 and to requests to re-use information.
• Liaise with colleagues to identify and retrieve requested information, consider applicable exemptions or exceptions, consult third parties where necessary and prepare responses.
• Review and update the regulator’s privacy notices and check that procurement processes are fit for purpose.
• Participate in training staff and provide reports on the regulator’s performance in response to information access requests and support information management activity within the regulator.
• Oversee the complaints process, and review and prepare responses to complaints about the regulator.

Qualifications and Experience

• Up-to-date knowledge of, and experience in, responding to rights requests and the law relating to data protection and information access is essential.
• Excellent record keeping and organisational skills.
• Experience in customer service or complaints handling; ability to consider how the regulator has responded to complaints, whether processes have been followed and to identify and embed lessons to be learned.
• Ability to influence others, challenge when appropriate and develop systems to facilitate work.
• A qualification in information rights, data protection, customer service or complaint handling is desirable.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

People and Diversity

Our anonymous shortlisting process helps to ensure fair and consistent recruitment decisions, based solely on skills and experience. We are a Disability Confident Employer and shortlist those who best meet the minimum criteria as part of our commitment. We are passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and respected and has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities and life experiences, recognising that varied perspectives enrich our organisation.

Salary and Benefits

Alongside your salary of £47,106, Regulator of Social Housing contributes £13,646 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Full information on this and other benefits is available on our website. The salary for this role is a spot salary within the given range, normally the minimum of the range. Annual salary reviews are determined by the government pay award.

General Information

Location – We operate a hybrid model with a mix of office and home working and flexible arrangements. This role can be based out of any of RSH’s core offices in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. Manchester and Bristol offices will relocate during 2025/26 but remain within the city centre. Some travel within England between offices and onsite visits to social housing providers may be required.

Things you need to know – Our staff survey results show many value flexible and hybrid working and family-friendly policies. We offer benefits including a 35 hour week, 33 days annual leave, access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, staff discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, health screening and other well-being benefits. Full information is available on our website.

How to Apply / Additional Information

We operate a fair and confidential recruitment process and welcome applications from suitable candidates. Further information on the application process is available on our website.