Head of Data Privacy - DPO (Data Protection Officer)

Are you an experienced leader in Data Privacy and looking for your next opportunity?

We have a fantastic opportunity to join Sovereign Network Group (SNG) as Head of Data Privacy - DPO (Data Protection Officer) to lead the data protection team and the approach to the provision of data protection and privacy services and advice across SNG, as well as assuming the role of Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Based from either Basingstoke or Wembley, you'll combine home and office working to ensure a positive work / life balance. There will be some regular travel to our office in Basingstoke.

At SNG (Sovereign Network Group), we provide over 85,000 homes and invest in communities across London, the South East, South West and East of England, as well as aiming to create thousands of new affordable homes every year.

The Role

As Head of Data Privacy, you'll assure provision of expert advice and guidance to SNG employees and customers on all the requirements of the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, monitoring trends and best practice across the sector, and keeping up to date with developments in GDPR and Data Practice legislation and its implication for SNG.

This role will be the point of escalation for data subjects and for cooperating and consulting with national supervisory authorities, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in relation to data protection matters. Main responsibilities include:

• Assuring compliance with data protection legislation and promoting a data protection culture within the organisation
• Driving implementation of essential elements of data protection legislation, such as the principles of data processing, data subjects' rights, data protection impact assessments, records of processing activities, security of processing, and notification and communication of data breaches
• Providing expert advice, guidance, and information to the organisation including senior colleagues and the board, and those processing its personal data regarding their legal and regulatory obligations
• Overseeing the implementation of data compliance tools and ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place to achieve consistent good practice across the organisation
• Undertaking confidential investigations in relation to data breaches as appropriate, making recommendations to the business on improvements or action relating to staff as necessary
• Managing the Data Protection team with a focus on articulating a clear vision, providing direction and support and driving continuous improvement

What we're looking for

You should have demonstrable experience in a data protection role at senior level, with previous experience in the role of Data Protection Officer. You should have an EU/UK accredited GDPR Practitioner qualification, or Data Protection Officer accreditation. You'll also need:

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and be able to provide appropriate challenge to Officers and Managers on compliance with agreed policies and procedures
• Excellent organisation skills, with high attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, including the use of negotiation and influencing where appropriate
• Excellent analytical skills, confident working with data and presenting reports to senior leaders
• Experience of using Privacy Impact Assessment Framework and of designing process mapping
• Strong stakeholder management skills, building trusted and credible relationships across the business
• A track record in leading a successful team, demonstrating focus on coaching and development

We have some great benefits at SNG, including:

• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
• 3 additional wellbeing days and 2 paid volunteering days
• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary
• Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover
• Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service

At Sovereign Network Group, we are passionate about inclusion for all and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at SNG. Take a look at our careers site to learn more about us and our values.

If you would like the opportunity to make a real impact within our changing and growing organisation, we would love to hear from you!