Data Protection Compliance Officer

Knowsley Safeguarding Children Partnership; Knowsley; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a passionate individual for a role in Information Governance, focusing on compliance with data protection laws like the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act. The role includes advising Council services, ensuring compliance with information governance standards, and providing expert guidance. Suitable candidates will have a relevant degree or an accredited Data Protection qualification and experience in data governance. This position offers a hybrid working model within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience of data protection and information governance within a large organization.
• Extensive knowledge of best practices in Information Sharing and Data Processing Agreements.
• Experience providing advice on Subject Access Requests and Requests for Disclosure.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all data protection issues and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with data protection law for schools in Knowsley.
• Assist the Council's Data Protection Officer with complaints and requests.

Skills

Expert knowledge of UK GDPR

Experience with Data Protection Act

Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act

Strong communication skills

Experience in data governance

Education

Relevant degree in Data Protection or Information Management

Accredited Data Protection Qualification (e.g., BCS-Practitioner)

Job description

We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for our residents and businesses and become part of the Knowsley Journey

• Location: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Municipal Buildings, Hybrid Working
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week. Consideration will be given for part time working..
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 22/02/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: CVP 0540

Knowsley Council is an award-winning Local Authority, named Local Authority of the Year in the Municipal Journal Awards 2024.

We are an Accredited employer under the Liverpool City Region Fair Employment Charter , demonstrating that we are committed to the principle of fair employment and we are dedicated to providing a healthy, fair, inclusive and just workplace.

Come join us and be part of our success.

• Are you passionate about Information Governance?
• Do you have the skills and experience to deliver expert advice, guidance and support to Council services?
• Do you enjoy working on your own and as part of a team?

If so, you may be the perfect candidate for this role.

Information Governance provides service support and guidance on the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and Records Management

The role will work to the Councils Deputy Data Protection Officer, supporting the Councils Statutory Data Protection Officer in ensuring that the Council meets a high level of compliance with data protection law and in embedding a culture of data protection and information security within the Council.

Duties include:

-Advising on all data protection issues within the Council including assessment and mitigation of risk, giving advice and guidance to staff and external partners and providers where appropriate.

-To ensure all schools in Knowsley that sign up to the Councils Information Governance Service Level Agreement meet a high level of compliance with data protection law and information security.

-To provide advice and guidance in respect of Data Protection Act/UK General Data Protection Regulations, Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations requests particularly in respect of the lawful use of exemptions/exceptions.

-To assist the Councils Statutory Data Protection Officer in dealing with complaints and/or requests from the Information Commissioners Office.

The following essential experience/qualifications are required for the role:

Relevant degree in Data Protection or Information Management, or

Accredited Data Protection Qualification such as BCS-Practitioner/ISEB Certificate/CIPP-E, and

Expert knowledge of the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation, guidance and best practice.

Extensive knowledge of best practice in relation to Information Sharing and Data Processing Agreements.

Expert knowledge of relevant Information Rights legislation such as the Freedom Information Act, Environmental Information Regulation and Local Government Transparency Code.

Experience of data protection and information governance within a large organisation.

Experience of providing advice and assistance on dealing with Subject Access Requests and Requests for Disclosure from external organisations.

At Knowsley Council we will consider requests for flexible working. For most roles, the following types of flexibility are usually possible: flexible hours, working from home, compressed hours, part-time.

We welcome applications from residents and beyond, regardless of background, belief, or identity, recognising the value that diversity brings to our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and candidates with disabilities as we acknowledge their underrepresentation in our workforce.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applicants.

At Knowsley we value our applicants and want them to feel well-informed and welcomed. If you have any questions about this specific job role or what it is like to work at Knowsley, please contact:

If you are interested in this post, please upload your CV along with a supporting statement as one document in PDF or Word format. Your CV and supporting statement should be tailored to reflect the competencies within the person specification.

Please note if a CV and supporting statement does not reflect the person specification it is unlikely to be shortlisted.

Interviews to be held in March 2026.

Previous applicants need not reapply.

How to apply

To upload your CV you will need to click on the link below and create an account with Jobs Go Public if you have not already done so.

You will also be required to input your name and email address and will be invited to complete an equal opportunities questionnaire.