Data Protection Lead

About the role

As Data Protection Lead, you'll be the council's main advisor on day to day data protection matters, helping services meet their legal and ethical responsibilities. You'll work closely with the Data Protection Service Manager and DPO, providing practical advice and escalating complex or high risk matters where needed. You'll help ensure data is used responsibly and in ways that support better outcomes for communities.

In this role, you will:

• Influence how services design and deliver projects
• Strengthen compliance and reduce data protection risk
• Build capability through training and guidance

What you'll be doing

You'll play a central role in embedding strong data protection practice by:

• Providing advice and support across the organisation
• Driving assurance, improvement and privacy by design
• Supporting incident response, complaints and reviews
• Strengthening policies, standards, data sharing and contracts

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone with strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to influence others. You will bring:

• Experience in a data protection or information governance role
• Strong knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection requirements
• Experience of delivering training and embedding good practice
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders in complex environments
• Clear communication skills and the ability to give practical, proportionate advice

Benefits

We offer:

• Flexible hybrid working (minimum one day in the office)
• A collaborative and inclusive working culture built on our CARE values (Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering)
• The opportunity to influence strategic priorities and major organisational initiatives
• A role with real visibility and impact across all directorates
• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work life balance, as well as a 35 hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Equalities and Diversity Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone's identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.