Information Governance Manager

Buckinghamshire New University; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Free gym membership

Staff discounts

Training & development

Job summary

Bucks New University is seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager to lead its information governance function across the High Wycombe Campus, with hybrid working arrangements. The role covers data protection, FOI, records management and information risk, developing policies and training, and engaging with the Information Commissioner.

You will line manage the Information Compliance Officer, oversee DPIAs and LIAs, and report on compliance metrics to senior governance groups.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline.
• Significant experience in information governance, data protection or information rights.
• Detailed knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, FOI Act and Environmental Information Regulations.
• Experience developing, implementing and maintaining information governance frameworks, policies and standards.
• Experience handling DPIAs, LIAs and regulatory investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the information governance function and ensure lawful, secure handling of information.
• Line manage the Information Compliance Officer and meet statutory deadlines.
• Oversee information rights requests and complex disclosures.
• Advise on data protection, information rights and records management.
• Develop and review governance policies, procedures and training.
• Maintain compliance records and governance documentation.

Skills

Information governance

Data protection

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Policy development

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Full Time (37 hours per week) - Permanent - High Wycombe Campus / Hybrid working

Salary - H (£45,641 - £57,666)

We're not trying to fit in with the higher education status quo. We're challenging it. We're doing things differently - because our students, our staff, and our world need us to.

So this is an exciting moment to join us. We're boldly reimagining what a university can be: a place rooted in social mobility, a community where difference is celebrated, and an institution that empowers people to become more than they thought possible.

Bucks New University is seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager to lead its information governance function, ensuring information is managed lawfully, securely, consistently and effectively throughout its lifecycle.

You will manage and develop the Information Compliance Officer; oversee complex information rights requests, complaints and high-risk matters; and provide authoritative advice on data protection, freedom of information, records management and information risk. You will develop governance frameworks, policies, standards and training; oversee DPIAs, LIAs, supplier assurance and incident investigations; maintain compliance records; and lead engagement with the Information Commissioner.

Working collaboratively across the University, you will identify risks, drive compliance improvements and report meaningful performance and assurance information to senior leaders and governance committees. You will bring sound judgement, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical action.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to an inclusive and supportive workplace.

What we offer:

• a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
• Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
• training & development support opportunities
• contributory pension scheme
• free gym membership for our on-site gym
• a range of staff discounts with major retailers.

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves.

If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University's values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you. For further information about this role please contact Loveth.Chukwuedozie @bnu.ac.uk

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to [e-mail] if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.

We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.

If you're considering using AI to support your application, we encourage you to question the value it adds. The use of AI tools sometimes erodes authenticity and prevents us from being able to assess the real you. We strongly recommend you prepare your application using your own skills and knowledge and that AI is only used for the purpose of review.

Closing Date: 24 November 2026

Interview Date: 8 December 2026

If you are invited to interview for this role, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and if on a visa, current visa and status. Sponsorship is dependent on the salary level of the position.

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Information Governance Manager

College/Professional Service: CIO Group

Grade: H

Location: High Wycombe Campus (and travel to Uxbridge and Aylesbury may be required)

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Head of Information and Data Governance

Responsible for: Information Compliance Officer

Job Purpose:

To lead the University's information governance function, ensuring that information is managed lawfully, securely, consistently and effectively throughout its lifecycle. The role provides expert advice and assurance across data protection, information rights, records management and information risk; oversees complex and high-risk matters; and develops governance frameworks, policies and standards that support regulatory compliance, organisational accountability and the effective use of information.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:

• Lead the University's information governance function, balancing strategic priorities with effective operational delivery.
• Line manage and develop the Information Compliance Officer, allocating work and resources to meet statutory deadlines and service standards.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex, sensitive or high-risk compliance matters.
• Oversee responses to Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations, Subject Access and other information rights requests, reviewing and authorising complex or high-profile disclosures.
• Provide expert advice on information rights legislation and manage related complaints, internal reviews and regulatory investigations.
• Lead engagement with the Information Commissioner's Office and monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the University.
• Develop, implement and review information governance, privacy and records management policies, procedures, standards and retention arrangements.
• Maintain the University's compliance framework, Information Asset Registers and related governance documentation in line with legal, regulatory and sector requirements.
• Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments, Legitimate Interest Assessments, supplier assurance reviews and investigations into information governance risks.
• Identify compliance risks, lead improvement initiatives and promote effective information lifecycle management across the University.
• Report on compliance performance, risks and improvement activity to senior management, committees and governance groups, supported by meaningful metrics and management information.
• Develop and deliver training, awareness campaigns and practical guidance that promote statutory responsibilities and good practice.
• Provide specialist advice and support to managers and staff on information compliance matters.
• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing professional development and horizon scanning, and contribute to relevant governance groups, working groups and projects.
• Comply with relevant legislation and University requirements, and undertake other duties reasonably required of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential Criteria Only

Education, Qualifications & Training

Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline

Knowledge & Experience

Significant experience working in an information governance, data protection, information rights, records management or related regulatory environment.

Detailed knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations and associated regulatory guidance.

Sound knowledge of records and information lifecycle management principles, including retention, disposal, classification and information asset management.

Experience developing, implementing and maintaining organisation-wide information governance frameworks, policies, procedures and standards.

Experience identifying, assessing and managing information governance risks, including the use of DPIAs, LIAs, assurance reviews or equivalent governance processes.

Experience overseeing complex information rights requests, complaints, internal reviews, disclosures or regulatory matters

Experience interpreting legislation and regulatory requirements and providing authoritative, pragmatic advice to senior stakeholders.

Experience producing management information, risk reporting and performance metrics for senior management or governance committees.

Experience managing, supervising or developing staff and coordinating workloads to meet statutory and organisational deadlines.

Experience producing management information, reports and performance metrics

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it pragmatically
• Excellent written communication skills, including report and policy drafting
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
• Ability to present information clearly to senior leaders and committees
• Ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines
• Ability to lead organisational change and compliance improvement initiatives

Special Requirements

Travel to remote sites as required

Behavioural INDICATORS

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Achieving results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.