Principal Information Governance Officer

Derby City Council; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Information Governance Officer to ensure compliance with data protection laws. Key responsibilities include advising on data processing agreements and leading training related to the Data Protection Act and GDPR. Ideal candidates should have relevant qualifications and significant experience in the public sector. The role offers flexible work arrangements and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Flexible work/life balance scheme

Hybrid working

Continued professional development opportunities

27 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Legal or Data Protection qualifications (such as LLB Law (hons) or Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection/GDPR).
• Demonstrable experience working in a similar position within the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Advising the organisation on data protection laws.
• Leading the delivery of advice and training on Data Protection Act and GDPR.
• Working with IT to ensure systems are protected.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of Data Protection Laws

Strong understanding of information security principles

Demonstrable experience in public sector

Proven experience of implementing DPIAs

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Legal or Data Protection qualifications

Job description

Directorate: Chief Executives Hours: 16 hours a week Contract Type: Permanent Location: The Council House

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

• 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 & 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

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Legal or Data Protection qualifications (such as LLB Law (hons) 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.

If you would prefer to apply for this job using your CV, then please download the attached Declaration Form and send it to [e-mail]. Without a completed declaration form, your application will not be accepted. We also encourage you to download the Equalities Form and return this to [e-mail]; however this is optional and will not affect your application.

Important Information

Links to the full Job Description and Person Specification are below.

All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the job.

Before you complete your application, please read our guidance on filling in your application form.

Please be aware that where there are colleagues within the organisation who are 'at risk' of redundancy, requirements to redeploy to another suitable role will apply and take priority.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. As many of our roles can now be home‑based, we are able to offer more opportunities for people who need this facility.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme so long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job.

We feel it is essential that we recruit a talented workforce that is as diverse as the community we work for.

Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview, or onboarding process and we'll do all we can to help. We strongly believe in social understanding of disability and for us it's all about removing barriers to equality.

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or are having difficulty applying, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK - 18001 01332 640 844) or at [e-mail].