Information Governance and Records Manager

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council in Taunton, England, seeks an Information Governance Manager to lead governance, records management and data protection. You will act as the statutory Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice, overseeing compliance and ensuring information is handled securely across the organisation.

You will shape strategy, manage governance risks, and drive a culture of transparency while delivering high-quality information governance services within a complex public sector environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in information governance, data protection or records management.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection legislation and governance best practice.
• Experience managing compliance activities, governance risks and incidents.
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management, with advisory influence.
• A relevant professional qualification or degree in information governance or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's information governance, records management and data protection arrangements.
• Provide expert advice on data protection, privacy, information sharing and records management matters.
• Oversee compliance activities, audits, investigations and responses to data protection incidents.
• Support services with Data Protection Impact Assessments and information governance projects.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and guidance to promote effective information management.
• Manage and develop the Information Governance Team while building strong relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Help ensure the council operates in a transparent and compliant manner, shaping and managing our responses to statutory requests for information.

Skills

Information governance

Data protection

Records management

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder management

Education

Professional qualification in information governance or data protection

Job description

Salary: Grade 9, £43,149 - £47,665 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: This is a 12-month fixed term contract

Closing date: 19 November 2026

Are you ready to lead and shape information governance at a strategic level within a large and complex organisation?

This is a fantastic opportunity to drive best practice, influence organisational culture, and help ensure information is managed responsibly, transparently, and effectively across Somerset Council. Working with senior leaders and key partners, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting good governance, managing risk, and maintaining public confidence in how we use and protect information.

About the Role

As the Information Governance Manager, you will lead the Council's information governance, records management and data protection functions. You will act as the Council's statutory Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice, overseeing compliance, managing governance risks, and ensuring information is handled securely and effectively across the organisation.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the Council's information governance, records management and data protection arrangements.
• Provide expert advice on data protection, privacy, information sharing and records management matters.
• Oversee compliance activities, audits, investigations and responses to data protection incidents.
• Support services with Data Protection Impact Assessments and information governance projects.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and guidance to promote effective information management.
• Manage and develop the Information Governance Team while building strong relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Help ensure the council operates in a transparent and compliant manner, shaping and managing our responses to statutory requests for information.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in information governance, data protection, records management or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of UK data protection legislation, information rights and governance best practice.
• Experience managing compliance activities, governance risks and data protection incidents.
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels.
• A relevant professional qualification, degree or equivalent experience in information governance, data protection or a related discipline.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Rebecca Martin (Head of Customer Experience & Information Governance) on [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: RP163 Information Governance and Records Manager (DPO).pdf

Ref: 1613/TC