Information Governance Manager

London Borough of Hillingdon; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

Generous Holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Perkbox Benefits

Travel Support

Job summary

London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager to lead and develop the council’s corporate information governance function. The role provides oversight, assurance and expert advice on data protection, information rights, records management and information sharing, enabling services to use data responsibly to benefit residents.

You will work across the organisation, supporting the Data Protection Officer and the Senior Information Risk Owner, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Experience with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, FOI Act 2000, EIR 2004.
• Ability to translate complex legal/regulatory requirements into practical advice.
• Experience leading information governance across a public authority or complex organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the corporate information governance function.
• Provide expert advice across data protection, information rights, records management and information sharing.
• Oversee incident response, risk assessment, regulatory reporting and lessons learned.
• Support the Data Protection Officer and act as Deputy DPO when required.
• Develop guidance and training for colleagues on information governance responsibilities.
• Manage the information governance team, including performance and planning.

Skills

Data protection

Information governance

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Communication

Education

Degree-level qualification in information governance or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Information Governance Manager to lead and develop our corporate information governance function.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Information Governance Manager to lead and develop our corporate information governance function.

This is a key role providing oversight, assurance and expert advice across the Council on data protection, information rights, records management and lawful information sharing. You will help ensure that information is managed responsibly and effectively, while enabling services to make appropriate use of data to deliver for our residents.

You will work across the organisation, providing constructive advice and challenge, setting standards and helping services understand and manage information risk. You will support the Data Protection Officer, work closely with the Senior Information Risk Owner, and act as Deputy Data Protection Officer where required.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the Council’s approach to information governance policies, procedures, standards and compliance.
• Providing expert advice on the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, information sharing and records management.
• Leading the information governance response to personal data breaches and information incidents, including risk assessment, containment, regulatory reporting where required and lessons learned.
• Supporting effective oversight of corporate information risk and the work of the Council’s Information Management Strategy Group.
• Working closely with Legal Services, Internal Audit, Technology, Digital and operational services to strengthen information governance and assurance.
• Leading implementation of the Council’s corporate approach to records management, including appropriate retention, disposal and sharing of information.
• Advising on Data Protection Impact Assessments, data sharing and processing agreements and other information governance requirements.
• Developing guidance and training that helps colleagues understand and meet their information governance responsibilities.

You will also be responsible for managing the team effectively, including staff development and performance, service planning, resources and continuous improvement.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong practical experience of information governance in a public authority, regulated environment or similarly complex organisation.

You should have experience across a number of areas, including:

• Data protection and information governance.
• Personal data breaches and information incidents.
• Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and Subject Access Requests.
• Data Protection Impact Assessments and information sharing.
• Records management and information retention.
• Information governance assurance, compliance reviews, risk management and improvement planning.
• Managing people, workloads and competing service priorities.
• Developing guidance, briefings and training for colleagues.

You will need a strong working knowledge of the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004, together with the ability to turn complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, practical advice.

Just as importantly, you will be confident working with senior managers and service leads. You will need to provide credible, evidence-based challenge while understanding the operational realities of delivering public services.

What we’re looking for

• Sound judgement and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• The confidence to provide independent, evidence-based advice.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non-specialists.
• A collaborative approach, working effectively across professional boundaries.
• A practical focus on improving compliance, processes and organisational understanding.

A degree-level qualification, or equivalent relevant professional experience, is essential. Relevant professional qualifications or specialist training in information governance, data protection, records management or information rights would be an advantage.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in how information is governed across a large and complex public organisation.

You will have the scope to influence practice across the Council, strengthen our approach to information risk and records management, and help services find practical ways of meeting their legal and regulatory responsibilities. The role also offers significant engagement across Technology, Digital, Legal Services, Internal Audit and operational services, as well as with regulators and external partners.

About Us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:

• 2 years of Referencing

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.