Information Governance & Data Protection Officer

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service; Birstall; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working

Generous leave entitlement plus public

Professional development support

On-site gym facilities

Free onsite parking

Blue Light discount card

Occupational health unit

Employee Assistance Programme

LGPS pension

Job summary

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager and Data Protection Officer to lead our Information Governance function and provide expert advice across the Service.

You will ensure information and personal data are managed securely, effectively and lawfully, while supporting compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and wider information legislation. This role will drive continuous improvement and provide assurance to management.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and Information Governance.
• Experience in a Data Protection Officer, Information Governance or similar role.
• Excellent ability to interpret legislation applicable to information governance and provide clear, practical advice.
• Strong communication, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of leading people and delivering continuous improvement.
• Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and commitment to confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Information Governance function and act as the Service’s Data Protection Officer under Article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• Provide expert advice and assurance on data protection, information governance and information sharing.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including oversight of Data Protection Impacts Assessments, data breaches and information requests.
• Develop and maintain effective Information Governance procedures, processes training and guidance.
• Lead the Information Governance department, supporting performance, development and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging legislation and risks, providing timely advice to managers and the Strategic Leadership Team.

Skills

UK GDPR knowledge

Data Protection Act

Information Governance

DPO experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager and Data Protection Officer to lead our Information Governance function and provide expert advice across the Service.

You will ensure information and personal data are managed securely, effectively and lawfully, while supporting compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and wider information legislation. As the Service’s Data Protection Officer, you will provide advice, assurance and leadership, manage information-related risks and drive continuous improvement.

Benefits you will receive:

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working
• Generous leave entitlement plus public holidays
• Full support for ongoing professional development
• On-site gym facilities
• Free onsite parking
• Access to an emergency services "Blue Light" discount card
• Use of our in-house occupational health unit, which includes fitness support
• Access to the Service’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Public sector pension (subject to pension scheme rules). You will automatically be enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is a tax-approved, defined-benefit occupational pension scheme. Your contributions are based on your earnings, and you can choose from different income options when you retire.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, we want to create a work environment where everyone feels safe, can be themselves and can perform their roles to the best of their abilities. We have signed up with a number of nationally recognised organisations that promote equality, diversity and inclusion and we are working with them to help us achieve our objectives. These organisations include:

• Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion
• Department of Works and Pension’s Disability Confident scheme
• Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA)

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Safer recruitment practices, including identity, reference, and appropriate criminal record checks, will be applied throughout the recruitment process.

Pension Considerations

Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance or Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.

Sponsorship

Please take note that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Hybrid working may be considered for this role

Closing Date:

21 October 2026, 23:59 PM

Test and Interview

w/c 2 November 2026.

If you are invited to interview, you will be assessed against the NFCC Leadership Framework. The highest level relevant to the role is outlined in the person specification for the position you are applying for. The interview may include both behavioural and role-specific questions to assess your suitability. You will also be asked a question exploring your understanding of, and commitment to, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.

Job Objectives

• Lead the Information Governance function and act as the Service’s Data Protection Officer under Article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• Provide expert advice and assurance on data protection, information governance and information sharing.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including oversight of Data Protection Impacts Assessments, data breaches and information requests.
• Develop and maintain effective Information Governance procedures, processes training and guidance.
• Lead the Information Governance department, supporting performance, development and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging legislation and risks, providing timely advice to managers and the Strategic Leadership Team.

Skills Required

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and Information Governance.
• Experience in a Data Protection Officer, Information Governance or similar role.
• Excellent ability to interpret legislation applicable to information governance and provide clear, practical advice.
• Strong communication, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of leading people and delivering continuous improvement.
• Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and commitment to confidentiality.