Senior Information Governance Officer

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a Senior Information Governance Officer to lead its information governance and data protection compliance programme within the Legal & Governance directorate. The role focuses on embedding responsible information management across the University, including Microsoft 365 governance.

You will work with stakeholders to improve lifecycle management, data protection impact assessments, policy development and information sharing arrangements, while

Responsibilities

• Providing a responsive information governance business partner, advice and consultancy support service to dedicated areas of the University; supporting key stakeholders to manage information effectively and meet their information governance obligations.
• Conducting data protection impact assessments and other information governance assessments, identifying risks and recommending proportionate controls.
• Monitoring compliance against the University's data protection and information governance framework, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Contributing to the development, implementation and review of information governance policies, standards and procedures.
• Supporting initiatives to improve the lifecycle management of University information assets, including reviews of retention and disposal, data quality and information management standards.
• Supporting the development of Microsoft 365 information governance maturity, including improvements to information ownership, classification, access controls, retention and lifecycle management across the environment.
• Working with Information Asset Owners, Information Asset Managers, site owners and other stakeholders to strengthen information ownership, accountability and management practices.
• Establishing and reviewing information-sharing agreements and data processing agreements.
• Drafting and reviewing privacy notices and other information governance documentation.
• Developing and delivering information governance guidance, training and awareness activities to promote good practice across the University.
• Maintaining and developing the University's Information Asset Register and Record of Processing Activities, supporting improved visibility and accountability for the University's information assets and processing activities.
• Supporting the management and resolution of information governance complaints, incidents and other compliance matters.
• Contributing to information governance strategic projects.

Job description

Our information governance professionals play an important role in supporting the strategic direction of a global university, helping ensure that information is managed responsibly and effectively. The work is intellectually challenging, varied and rewarding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of dedicated data protection, information and records management, and freedom of information colleagues within our Legal & Governance directorate. As a Senior Information Governance Officer, you will play an important role in developing and delivering the University's information governance and data protection compliance programme, with opportunities to contribute to improvements in information management practices and the University's Microsoft 365 information governance maturity.

You will work with colleagues across the University to ensure that information is appropriately managed throughout its lifecycle, from creation and storage through to retention and disposal. You will help embed good data protection and information governance practices, strengthen accountability and ownership, and support the University to make better use of its information in a compliant, governed and increasingly AI-enabled environment. The team works three days in the office with a mid-week anchor day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing a responsive information governance business partner, advice and consultancy support service to dedicated areas of the University; supporting key stakeholders to manage information effectively and meet their information governance obligations.
• Conducting data protection impact assessments and other information governance assessments, identifying risks and recommending proportionate controls.
• Monitoring compliance against the University's data protection and information governance framework, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Contributing to the development, implementation and review of information governance policies, standards and procedures.
• Supporting initiatives to improve the lifecycle management of University information assets, including reviews of: retention and disposal, data quality and information management standards.
• Supporting the development of Microsoft 365 information governance maturity, including improvements to information ownership, classification, access controls, retention and lifecycle management across the environment.
• Working with Information Asset Owners, Information Asset Managers, site owners and other stakeholders to strengthen information ownership, accountability and management practices.
• Establishing and reviewing information-sharing agreements and data processing agreements.
• Drafting and reviewing privacy notices and other information governance documentation.
• Developing and delivering information governance guidance, training and awareness activities to promote good practice across the University.
• Maintaining and developing the University's Information Asset Register and Record of Processing Activities, supporting improved visibility and accountability for the University's information assets and processing activities.
• Supporting the management and resolution of information governance complaints, incidents and other compliance matters.
• Contributing to information governance strategic projects.

The role will support the University in achieving its strategic priorities by ensuring that information is managed in a way which is appropriately compliant, secure, accessible and retained for no longer than necessary. You will contribute to the continued development of a mature information governance environment, enabling effective collaboration, responsible use of information and readiness for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

You will possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal, technical and information management matters clearly and concisely to colleagues at all levels. You will be able to build effective working relationships, exercise sound judgement and balance competing priorities, taking a practical and proportionate approach to managing information governance risks.

Further Information

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.