Senior Information Governance Officer (Data Protection)

Belfast City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Information Governance Officer (Data Protection) to join the Legal and Civic Services Department during a period of increased workload.

You will support the Council's Records Management function and act as a key expert in Data Protection compliance, ensuring adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and wider information governance legislation.

This is a hybrid role, with initial full-time office attendance for training, followed by a 3 days office / 2 days remote working pattern.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on compliance with Data Protection legislation and associated governance frameworks
• Manage and respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs) efficiently and accurately
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders on data protection risks and compliance
• Design and deliver training to staff and elected members
• Draft and maintain policies, procedures, and public-facing guidance
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Investigate data breaches and recommend corrective actions
• Maintain the corporate personal data register and information sharing agreements
• Support Freedom of Information and Environmental Information requests
• Liaise with the Information Commissioner's Office where required
• Contribute to audits, reporting, and continuous improvement of governance processes

About You

We are looking for a confident and experienced information governance professional who can operate at a senior level.

You will bring:

• Strong working knowledge of GDPR and UK data protection legislation
• Experience advising senior stakeholders on compliance and risk
• Proven ability to design and deliver training
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Essential Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• A third-level qualification in a relevant subject (or equivalent) plus 1 year relevant experience in key areas, or
• At least 2-3 years' experience in:
• Data protection advisory work
• Training delivery on data protection topics
• Policy and guidance development

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in supporting a major public sector organisation in delivering robust, compliant, and high-quality information governance services during a critical operational period.