Senior Information Governance Officer

NHS; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization is looking for a Senior Information Governance Officer. This critical role involves ensuring compliance with data protection laws, managing Information Governance incidents, and providing expert advice across two NHS trusts. Ideal candidates will have a degree and relevant qualifications in Data Protection or Information Governance, along with significant experience in related compliance areas. Opportunities for impactful work in patient data protection make this role essential to the organization's mission.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Training and guidance on best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Qualifications in Data Protection or Information Governance are required.
• Significant experience with Data Protection compliance and legislation is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead reviews of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Manage Information Governance incidents and submissions of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
• Provide expert advice on UK GDPR and other relevant laws.

Skills

Data Protection compliance

Expertise in GDPR

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Autonomy

Education

Degree level (or equivalent)

Qualification in Data Protection

Job description

Senior Information Governance Officer

The closing date is 03 January 2026.

As part of our Single Corporate Services, you'll play a vital role in ensuring both Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Isle of Wight NHS Trust meet our legal and regulatory obligations around data protection and information governance. You'll be instrumental in maintaining high standards of compliance, transparency, and accountability across both organisations.

You'll manage Information Governance incidents, support Data Protection Impact Assessments and the organisations annual Data Security and Protection Toolkit assessments. You will have expertise in Records of Processing Activities to support the organisations returns of Information Asset Registers and Data Flow Maps. You will contribute to policy development, staff training, and help embed a culture of good governance and responsible data handling. You will also support the team with complex Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information Requests, working closely with colleagues across departments and providing expert advice and guidance on legislation such as UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Freedom of Information Act 2000. Your work will directly support the Trusts commitment to being well‑led, safe, and patient‑focused organisations.

This is a multi‑site role, offering variety and the opportunity to work across two leading NHS organisations. Travel between sites may be required and will be arranged locally.

Main Duties of the Job

Senior Information Governance Officer

Full Time: 37.5 hours

Location: Mitchell Way, Portsmouth PO3 5PE; Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, PO6 3LY; or St Marys Hospital Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG.

Are you passionate about data protection, information governance and making a real impact in healthcare? We are looking for an experienced Senior Information Governance Officer to join our proactive Information Governance team, supporting both Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on reviews of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Supporting the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) submissions
• Managing and reviewing Information Governance incidents
• Reviewing and supporting Records of Processing Activities (ROPA)
• Providing expert advice on GDPR, FOIA, DPA 2018, and other Information Governance legislation
• Supporting IG Officers with complex Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information Requests
• Supporting policy compliance and transparency information
• Maintaining accurate records and performance data
• Delivering training and guidance on IG best practices

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference in how patient and staff data is protected
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development and training
• Work in a role that values innovation, integrity, and collaboration

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree level (or equivalent)
• Qualification in Data Protection, Information Governance or Freedom of Information Act
• Accredited Courses associated with Information Governance, Freedom of Information Act, Subject Access

Experience

• Evidence of significant experience working with Data Protection compliance
• Evidence of significant experience in system administration
• Advanced skills for keyboard use for producing reports, spreadsheets and correspondence
• Excellent verbal, telephone and written communication skills
• Ability to use own initiative and deal with competing priorities
• Works autonomously but can seek advice when necessary/manages a discrete area of work
• Expertise within specialism, underpinned by practical experience
• Management of team and line management responsibilities

Knowledge

• Detailed knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act
• Significant experience of information handling and analysis gained in a work environment
• Good understanding of the requirements of the Caldicott recommendations for handling data with the NHS

Employer name

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust