Deputy DPO & Compliance Improvement Manager

Luton Homeless Partnership; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Luton is seeking a Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager. This leadership role involves driving compliance with UK GDPR, leading data governance initiatives, and supporting digital transformation. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication skills, and a deep understanding of data protection legislation. In return, the authority offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and DPA 2018.
• Experience in leading responses to Subject Access Requests and data breaches.
• Ability to draft and update data protection policies and deliver training.

Responsibilities

• Drive Digital 2040 vision ensuring council-wide compliance.
• Lead on data protection performance and respond to subject access requests.
• Represent Luton Council in regional and national forums.

Skills

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Strong judgement and independence

Integrity and confidentiality under pressure

Deep understanding of UK GDPR

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject

Practitioner-level professional qualification

Job description

Role: Deputy DPO and Compliance Improvement Manager

Salary: M6 Grade from £60,379 to £63,721 plus car allowance (£3,203)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Ready to shape the future of digital governance at Luton Council?

Join us as our Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager—a pivotal role driving our Digital 2040 Agenda. If you’re passionate about embedding a culture of accountability, leading strategic transformation, and ensuring robust data protection across all services, this is your chance to make a lasting impact in a forward-thinking organisation.

About the Job

Step into a pivotal leadership role at Luton Council.

We are looking for a moderniser for our data protection, Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request practice.

As our Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager, you’ll be at the heart of driving our Digital 2040 vision—ensuring council-wide compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, shaping policy, and embedding a culture of robust information governance.

You’ll lead on data protection performance, respond to subject access requests and data breaches, advise on reporting to the ICO, and deliver expert training across the organisation.

This is your opportunity to influence strategic transformation, guide cross-departmental initiatives, and represent Luton Council in regional and national forums—making a real impact on service delivery, risk management, and our community’s digital future.

About You

We’re seeking a proactive, influential leader with a passion for data protection and organisational improvement.

You’ll have a proven track record in:

• Ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, with the ability to interpret legislation and turn compliance risks into actionable guidance.
• Monitoring and reporting on data protection performance, using dashboards and analytics to drive service improvement.
• Leading responses to Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and data breaches.
• Drafting and updating data protection policies and procedures, and delivering engaging training on information governance.
• Driving cross-departmental collaboration and representing organisations in external forums.
• Supporting organisational change and audit readiness.
• Strong team leadership and team management skills are essential to driving our efficiency agenda.

You’ll bring:

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for reports, policies, and training.
• Strong judgement and independence, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Integrity and confidentiality under pressure.
• A deep understanding of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, EIR, and ICO procedures.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, plus a practitioner-level professional qualification.
• Demonstrable knowledge of equality issues and legislation.

Experience in the public sector or local government, supporting audits and inspections, and evidence of continuous professional development are highly desirable.

If you’re ready to lead, influence, and make a real impact on Luton’s digital future, we want to hear from you.

Why Luton Council?

At Luton Council, we are committed to delivering excellent services that meet the needs of our diverse community. We believe our people are our greatest asset and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Flexible working arrangements
• A chance to make a real difference in the community

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a forward-thinking local authority, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to our Project Lead, Joanne Cumper, to learn more, email her on [e-mail] and set up a call.

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. It’s an awesome time to join. We have more than £5bn of investment underway across multiple developments, as part of Step Forward Luton. This is Luton’s moment, be part of it.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.

Application Process

Please apply via the Luton Website providing an updated CV and Supporting Statement.

Closing date for applications is 1 February 26

Interviews will be held 11 February 26

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade

Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave

Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area

Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant

Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)

Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home

Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns

Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways

Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons

Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

How to apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!