Senior Data Governance and Access Officer

cancerresearchuk; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Research UK is seeking a Senior Data Governance & Access Officer in Stratford to support Cancer Intelligence's data governance and information security activities. You will help maintain official data security accreditations and enable secure use of complex datasets for policy making.

The role involves supporting data access, governance, and collaboration with NHS organisations and researchers, across a 12-month fixed term contract.

Qualifications

• Experience with data governance frameworks and data security controls.
• Strong knowledge of data protection laws and information governance.
• Experience supporting analysts or researchers with data handling in health/research settings.
• Ability to assess data quality and implement risk mitigation measures.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance of Data Security and Protection Toolkit accreditation.
• Support acquisition, transfer, storage and management of sensitive datasets.
• Provide technical and logistical support for data access applications and research approvals.
• Maintain governance standards, metadata records and data management processes.
• Advise analysts and researchers on data governance best practices.
• Develop relationships with NHS organisations and data suppliers.

Skills

Data governance

Data security

Stakeholder management

Data protection

Health/research data handling

Excel

Tools

Excel

Job description

Senior Data Governance & Access Officer

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 plus benefits

Directorate: Policy, Information & Communications

Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, High Flex

Closing date: 18th October 2026

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment Process: One competency-based interview

Interview Dates: Week commencing 26th October 2026

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Our understanding of cancer is increasing at a faster pace than ever before, and more people are surviving thanks to the work we do. Every day we achieve extraordinary things by being innovative, imaginative and bold in our work.

Now we're looking for a Senior Data Governance & Access Officer to play a pivotal role in supporting Cancer Intelligence's data governance and information security activity. You'll help maintain our official data security accreditations and processes, whilst enabling the secure acquisition, management and use of complex datasets that support evidence-based policy making and influencing across the Policy, Information & Communications Directorate.

What will I be doing?

• Lead the maintenance and annual submission of Cancer Research UK's Data Security and Protection Toolkit accreditation.
• Support the acquisition, transfer, storage and management of sensitive datasets.
• Provide technical and logistical support for data access applications and research approvals.
• Maintain governance standards, metadata records and data management processes.
• Provide advice and support to analysts and researchers on data governance and handling best practice.
• Develop strong relationships with NHS organisations, data suppliers and external stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• Experience managing recognised data security and information governance accreditations.
• Strong knowledge of data protection, information governance and information security principles.
• Experience supporting analysts or researchers in health or research settings.
• Experience assessing data quality and implementing risk mitigation measures.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.