Senior Data Protection Adviser

University-of-Nottingham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Generous holiday entitlement

Staff development opportunities

Benefits and rewards

Job summary

University of Nottingham is seeking a Senior Data Protection Adviser to join our Information Security and Compliance team in Governance and Assurance. The role supports the delivery of the University's Information Compliance Strategy and works with departments to meet UK GDPR and related laws while enabling education, research, and administration.

You will maintain the Information Asset Register/ROPA, conduct Privacy Impact Assessments, advise senior leaders, and lead on breach response and

Qualifications

• Extensive data protection experience in a large or complex organisation.
• Ability to translate complex GDPR requirements into practical guidance.
• Strong advisory and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the Information Asset Register and ROPAs, and review Privacy Notices for accuracy.
• Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments for new technology, research and projects, reviewing data processing agreements.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on data protection issues and escalate complex queries.
• Support Information Compliance Officers on complex casework and deputise for the Data Protection Officer as needed.
• Lead on data breach response procedures and deliver privacy awareness training.

Job description

Salary
£46,049 to £58,225per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date
Sunday 11 October 2026

Reference
REG806726

The University is seeking an experienced Senior Data Protection Adviser to join our Information Security and Compliance team within Governance and Assurance, supporting the delivery of the University's Information Compliance Strategy.

Reporting to the Data Protection Officer, the Senior Data Protection Adviser will work collaboratively across the institution to embed privacy management and information governance practice, helping departments meet their obligations under UK GDPR, DPA 2018 and related legislation while enabling effective use of data for education, research and administration.

As Senior Data Protection Adviser you will:

• Maintain and develop the Information Asset Register and Register of Processing Activities (ROPA), and review Privacy Notices for accuracy and transparency.
• Conduct Privacy Impact Screening and Assessments for new technology, research and other projects, assessing legal bases for processing and reviewing data processing agreements.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and colleagues on complex or emerging data protection issues, and act as an escalation point for challenging compliance queries.
• Support the Information Compliance Officers on complex casework, and deputise for the Data Protection Officer on time-critical operational matters as required.
• Lead on data breach response procedures, and deliver privacy awareness training and guidance materials across the University.

The successful candidate will bring significant, demonstrable experience of data protection gained within a large or complex organisation, strong advisory and influencing skills, and the ability to engage credibly with senior stakeholders on complex compliance matters. They will be a confident communicator able to translate complex requirements into practical guidance, exercise sound independent judgement, and manage competing priorities effectively.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to ourbenefits website

This role is a full-time (36.25 hours per week) permanent role. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Tracy Landon [e-mail]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .