Information Governance and Compliance Manager

BIMM University; Brighton; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year

SMART pension

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

BIMM University is seeking an Information Governance and Compliance Manager to lead information governance, data protection and regulatory compliance across its campuses. As the designated Data Protection Officer, you will influence policy, drive risk mitigation and ensure governance excellence.

You will develop and maintain policies, monitor compliance, and lead Information Rights responses, DPIAs, and governance programmes. Strong stakeholder management and regulatory knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading information governance, data protection or compliance in a complex organisation.
• Experience advising senior stakeholders and influencing governance decisions.
• Experience developing and implementing policies and governance frameworks for regulatory compliance.
• Experience handling Information Rights requests and privacy-related investigations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills to explain regulatory requirements clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead BIMM University's information governance and data protection framework and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Act as the University's designated Data Protection Officer, providing expert guidance to senior leaders.
• Develop, maintain and improve policies, procedures and governance frameworks across the institution.
• Monitor compliance, identify risks and drive mitigation activities.
• Develop governance, monitoring and reporting arrangements for senior leadership and committees.
• Lead responses to Information Rights requests (Subject Access, FOI, etc.).
• Advise on Data Protection Impact Assessments and information sharing arrangements.
• Lead incidents and investigations relating to information governance and data protection.
• Support records management, retention and disposal practices.
• Deliver training and awareness to strengthen governance understanding across the University.
• Provide input into projects and change initiatives to embed governance considerations from the start.

Skills

Regulatory governance

Data protection

DPO leadership

Policy development

Stakeholder support

Risk management

Job description

Information Governance and Compliance Manager

Salary: £39,000 - £50,440 per annum

At BIMM University, we're more than just an educational institution; we're a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, we offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Our commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets us apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

About the role

As Information Governance & Compliance Manager, you will lead BIMM University's approach to information governance, data protection and regulatory compliance. Acting as the University's designated Data Protection Officer, you will provide expert leadership, advice and assurance, helping to shape policy, influence decision‑making and ensure effective governance across the institution. Working across a complex and collaborative environment, you will play a key role in identifying and managing risk, supporting compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and promoting best practice in the management of information.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead BIMM University's information governance and data protection framework, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the University's designated Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice, guidance and assurance to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain and continually improve policies, procedures and governance frameworks that support effective information management across the institution.
• Monitor organisational compliance, identify areas of risk and lead appropriate mitigation and improvement activity.
• Develop and maintain governance, monitoring and reporting arrangements that provide assurance to senior leaders and committees.
• Lead the University's response to Information Rights requests, including Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests and other rights under data protection legislation.
• Advise colleagues on Data Protection Impact Assessments, information sharing arrangements, privacy risks and the lawful use of personal data.
• Lead the management of information governance and data protection incidents, including investigations, risk assessments and regulatory reporting where required.
• Support the development and implementation of records management, retention and disposal practices.
• Deliver training, guidance and awareness activities that strengthen understanding of information governance responsibilities across the University.
• Provide expert input into projects, partnerships, systems and organisational change initiatives, ensuring information governance considerations are embedded from the outset.

What You’ll Bring:

• Significant experience leading information governance, data protection, compliance or related activity within a complex organisation.
• Experience providing expert advice to senior stakeholders and influencing decision‑making on governance, compliance and risk matters.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks that support regulatory compliance and effective information management.
• Experience managing Information Rights requests, privacy risks and compliance‑related investigations or incidents.
• Detailed knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation, Environmental Information Regulations and associated regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess risk, exercise sound judgement and develop proportionate solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex regulatory requirements in a clear and practical way.
• The ability to build effective working relationships and promote a culture of accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.

The postholder can be based at any one of BIMM University's seven UK campuses (Brighton, London, Essex, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds).

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 16th and/or Tuesday 17th November.

Why BIMM University

We are a values‑led organisation, meaning our core values underpin all that we do:

• Believe in Everyone
• Challenge the Norm
• Grow Together
• Do The Right Thing
• Own It

In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:

• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package

We continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that we truly represent our diverse communities. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in our organisation.

We are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of our students therefore, all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you m