Principal Information Governance Officer

Derby City Council; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the East Midlands is seeking a Principal Information Governance Officer to ensure compliance with Data Protection laws and provide guidance and advice. This role requires a degree and legal qualifications in Data Protection, along with experience in a similar position within the public sector. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of information security principles and experience with the Information Commissioner's Office.

Benefits

Flexible work/life balance scheme

Hybrid working

Modern office environment

Continued professional development opportunities

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts

Tusker Car Benefit Scheme

Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Legal or Data Protection qualifications (such as LLB Law (honours) or Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection/GDPR).
• Demonstrable experience working in a similar position within the public sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of Data Protection Laws.
• Proven experience of implementing DPIAs and information agreements.
• Understanding of how the ICO operates in terms of its role and sanctions it can apply.
• Strong understanding of information security principles.

Responsibilities

• Advising the organisation on data protection laws.
• Leading the delivery of advice, guidance and training in relation to the Data Protection Act, GDPR.
• Working with IT colleagues to assess the Council’s systems and processes.
• Helping to manage the relationship between the Council and its partners.
• Working with regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioners Office.
• Representing the Council at information governance related meetings.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of Data Protection Laws

Strong understanding of information security principles

Demonstrable experience working in a similar position within the public sector

Understanding of how the ICO operates

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Legal or Data Protection qualifications (LLB Law or Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection/GDPR)

Job description

The Principal Information Governance Officer will play a key role in ensuring the Council meets its legal obligations under the Data Protection Act (2018) and UK General Data Protection Regulations.

This is a critical role that supports the organisation to deliver a range of projects whilst supporting both internal and external customers.

Who We Are

Here at Derby City Council, we’re dedicated to delivering nearly 250 first‑class services to citizens and businesses in the heart of the Midlands. People are at the centre of all that we do, and we have an outstanding track record of recruiting and developing talented individuals by providing them with varied and fulfilling career opportunities. Find out more about what it’s like to work for us.

What We Offer

You too could be part of something brilliant by becoming a colleague at Derby City Council; in addition to making a difference to the lives of people across the city, you’ll also receive:

• Flexible work/life balance scheme
• Hybrid working
• Modern office environment
• Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations
• 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme
• Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training
• Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Calendar and Support
• Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network
• Support for colleagues who are carers

The Opportunity

In the role of Principal Information Governance Officer, here’s an example of what you’ll be doing to make an impact:

• Advising the organisation on data protection laws which can include DPIAs, drafting Information Processing and Sharing Agreements and Privacy Notices
• Leading the delivery of advice, guidance and training in relation to the Data Protection Act, GDPR, FOI and EIR to ensure the organisation is operating compliantly
• Working with IT colleagues to assess the Council’s systems and processes to ensure they are well‑protected against unauthorised access, misuse, abuse, destruction and loss
• Helping to manage the relationship between the Council and its partners
• Working with regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioners Office
• Representing the Council at information governance related meetings and events to champion the Council’s view on IG issues affecting local authorities

About You

To be successful in this role, you’ll ideally have:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Legal or Data Protection qualifications (such as LLB Law (honours) or Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection/GDPR)
• Demonstrable experience working in a similar position within the public sector
• In‑depth knowledge of Data Protection Laws
• Proven experience of implementing DPIAs and information agreements
• Understanding of how the ICO operates in terms of its role and sanctions it can apply
• Strong understanding of information security principles

Next Steps

If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website.

The closing date for this vacancy is at midnight on Monday 10th November 2025. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.