Job Description

This could be the perfect role for you!



We are looking for a compelling and solutions-oriented data protection professional to lead on Information Governance (IG) and monitor GDPR compliance across the organisation in a pragmatic and engaging manner.




The Opportunity

Salary:

48,226 to 51,356per annum

Working Pattern:

Full time, 37 hours per week

Location:

County Hall, Chichester and working from home (Hybrid and flexible working)

Interview date:

Week commencing 13 October 2025

As the Senior Data Protection Officer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing IG frameworks and be able to evidence compliance which encompasses leadership and oversight, policies and procedures, training and awareness, individual rights, transparency, record of processing activities, contracts and data sharing, risks and DPIAs (including audit), records management and data security, and breach response and monitoring.



You will provide legal advice in response to day-to-day queries and issues about data protection from internal customers and stakeholders. You will also Co-lead the Information Governance Group (IGG).



You will provide advice and information through briefings and training sessions to relevant staff across directorates in the Council on the legislation and how to ensure all personal data integral to the work of the council, is protected.


What are we looking for?


You will have demonstrable experience of information governance within a local authority. You will need to demonstrate a detailed working knowledge of GDPR and other relevant legislation. You will have excellent communication skills with the capability to work with staff at all levels in the council. You will also need the ability to work with competing demands in, at times, a high-pressured environment.

For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the attached.

Working for us


As well as adding real value to our service users and our communities, as an employer we recognise our employees are central in being able to achieve this. To recognise this we want to help support your development and provide a great place to work ensuring you can fulfil your full potential, have access to a range of benefits including:


an excellent

local government pension scheme

generous holiday entitlement of

30

days (plus opportunity to buy additional leave) a range of flexible working options, depending on your job role maternity, paternity, dependency and adoption leave volunteering opportunities training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over 1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform (see our

Staff discounts page

if you are a business looking to offer a discount) health and wellbeing benefits including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and Voluntary Health Cash Plans

For a full list this can be found at our

Rewards and Benefits page.

Further information


The reference number for this role is

CRS00983

.



For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Fiona Gardiner (Principal Lawyer (Solicitor)) at

fiona.gardiner@westsussex.gov.uk

. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact

hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk

.

To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter. In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to 3 years referencing and a health check.

Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our

application help

page.





CC



LOCATION

Chichester area

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent

JOB TYPE

Legal and Democratic Services

CLOSING DATE

05 October 2025