Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading NHS Trust as an Information Governance Lead, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping data protection strategies across two organizations. This full-time position offers the chance to influence governance practices, manage a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with legal obligations, all while fostering a culture of data security and accountability.

Benefits

On-site Nursery

Access to Beach Hut

Wellness Centre with gym and pool

Staff networks (LGBTQ, Race Equality, DisAbility)

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior Information Governance role (minimum 5 years).
• Expert knowledge of GDPR and UK Data Protection Act.
• Proven experience in managing DPIAs, Asset Management, FOI requests, and SARs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the information governance landscape across two NHS Trusts.
• Advise senior leaders on data protection and governance matters.
• Manage and develop a dedicated team in Information Governance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Data Protection Knowledge

Education

Masters degree in Information Governance

First degree

Qualification in Data Protection Legislation

Tools

Word

Excel

Teams

Job description

Company Description

Our vision for Single Corporate Services

Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) have a shared vision of a single corporate service across our two organisations, supported by a single set of identical systems and processes, under joint leadership, to drive significant efficiencies, improve employee experience, and return time to patient care.

This vacancy is part of the Single Corporate Services Division.

Why are we changing the way we deliver Corporate Services?

Working as a partnership, both IWT and PHU have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this. The creation of a single corporate service is essential for us to support our clinical and operational services, and our wider transformation programme.

The vision for our single corporate services is to:

• Be an employer of choice for corporate talent, attracting and retaining people who share our values for excellence in care and welcome the opportunity to benefit from the broad range of flexible career and development opportunities we can offer.
• Improve efficiency through simplified and standardised policies, processes, and systems, drawing on the best from both Trusts.
• Do things once and reduce any duplication on transactional tasks giving corporate staff the ability to focus on higher value and more diverse activities.
• Co-invest in the latest digital solutions and standardise our approach, meaning we do things once for both organisations.
• Improve learning and development opportunities and sharing best practice, upskilling both Trusts.
• Co-locate teams in purpose-built facilities on the Island and in Portsmouth to enable closer working and sharing.
• Build resilience for individuals and our teams.
  
  

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.

Single Corporate Service Summary Document

Job Description

Band:NHS Agenda for Change Band 8b

Hours:Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Contract Type:Permanent

Location:Across sites, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (frequency of visits to each site, to be agreed locally)

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for data protection and information governance? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your expertise can make a tangible difference to the delivery of exceptional healthcare?

This is a pivotal role within our Single Corporate Service - Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust! This role offers a unique chance to lead and shape the information governance landscape across two ambitious and forward-thinking NHS Trusts.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Governance and accountable to the Chief Digital and Governance Officer / Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), you will be at the forefront of ensuring both Trusts meet their legal and regulatory obligations, fostering a culture of robust information management and data protection.

What awaits you:

• Strategic Impact: As our in-house expert, you will directly advise senior leaders, including the SIRO, Caldicott Guardian, Chief Executive, and Trust Board, on all matters relating to data protection and information governance. Your insights will be crucial in ensuring effective decision-making and maintaining our well-led status.
• Leadership and Innovation: You will provide strategic leadership in Information Governance, developing and embedding our IG Strategy and associated policies. This is your chance to drive best practices, champion compliance, and foster a culture of data security and accountability across both Trusts.
• A Dual-Site Challenge with Collaborative Spirit: You'll be instrumental in harmonising information governance practices across the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills. While travel between sites will be necessary, our staff mobility agreement ensures fair and supportive arrangements. For our leaders, visible, in-person leadership across sites will be key, with local agreements to support this.
• Be the Go-To Expert: You will be the primary point of contact for data subjects and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), ensuring clear and effective communication channels are in place. Your expertise will be vital in navigating complex legislative requirements and providing guidance across all levels of staff.
• Empower and Develop: Leading the Information Governance function, you will manage and develop a dedicated team, fostering their growth and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service. You will also hold budget responsibility for the IG function, allowing you to strategically invest in resources.
• Continuous Improvement: You will lead on the ongoing evaluation of our Information Governance processes, develop and undertake audits, and drive forward improvements identified through the Data Security & Protection Toolkit. Your proactive approach will ensure we remain at the forefront of compliance and best practice.
• Influence and Educate: You will develop and deliver training programmes to embed a strong understanding of information governance across the workforce. Your ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively will be essential in fostering a culture of compliance.
  
  

We are looking for an exceptional individual who possesses:

• Significant experience in a senior Information Governance role.
• Expert knowledge of Information Governance and Management requirements, including GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act.
• Proven experience in managing DPIAs, Asset Management, FOI requests, and SARs.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and interpretation skills.
• Strong leadership and management capabilities, with experience in managing teams.
• A proactive and strategic mindset with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A minimum of a first degree, with a desirable qualification in Data Protection Legislation or equivalent.
  
  

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary within NHS Pay Band 8b.
• The opportunity to shape Information Governance across two significant NHS Trusts.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Commitment to your professional development and growth.
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of patients and staff.
  
  

Apply now and become a key leader in our Single Corporate Service!

Qualifications

Job Description

Essential

• Masters degree or equivalent level of experience working within an information Governance role, at a senior level.
• Minimum of first degree
• Qualification in Data Protection Legislation or equivalent
  
  

Desirable

• Management qualification
• Law qualification
  
  

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in an Information Governance role (minimum 5 years) and experience working at a senior level.
• Experience of management of DPIA’s; Asset management; FOI’s; and SAR’s
• Project Management experience
• Experience of managing staff
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Effective analytical and interpretation skills
• Business planning skills
• Good keyboard skills
• Ability to organise workload, manage and achieve priorities and effectively manage competing priorities.
  
  

Knowledge

Essential

• Expert knowledge of the Information Governance and Management requirements and application into practice
• Policy development
• Advanced IT skills and ability to use applications available (e.g. Word, Excel, Teams)
  
  

Additional Information

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

Please note your application may be transferred to the Isle of Wight Applicant Tracking System (ATS) if you are selected for an interview

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.