Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer; DPO; Post

Overview

Birmingham Newman University is seeking to appoint an experienced information governance professional with expertise and insight to lead across the University on all related aspects and to fulfil the statutory role of Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Reporting to the University Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, this is an influential institution-wide role, providing advice and assurance to the most senior stakeholders. As Head of Information Governance and DPO, you will ensure that robust, compliant, and effective information governance practices are embedded across all academic and professional service directorates, providing expert advice on managing information risk.

You will serve as the University s primary contact for the Information Commissioner s Office (ICO) and for individuals exercising their information rights. The role combines organisational leadership with operational oversight and implementation, including the development of policies and frameworks, management of information rights requests, oversight of data breaches and risk mitigation, and delivery of training to build a culture of accountability.

The role will work closely in our Digital and IT Directorate to ensure effective and compliant data protection and information security practices while enabling institutional strategic goals and priorities.

• Lead information governance and data protection across the University and fulfil the statutory role of Data Protection Officer (DPO).
• Advise senior stakeholders and influence strategic decision-making and organisational policy.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Manage data protection risks, including breach investigations, Data Protection Impact Assessments and Subject Access Requests.
• Ensure strong records management and information security practices adapted to a growing institutional context.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to non-specialists, deliver training, and drive cultural change across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities in a complex environment.
• Collaborate across organisational boundaries, including with IT specialists and external partners.

• Substantial experience in information governance and data protection within a complex organisation.
• Expert knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations, and related codes of practice.
• Experience in a senior advisory capacity, influencing strategic decision-making and organisational policy.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience of managing data protection risks, including breach investigations, and undertaking Data Protection Impact Assessments and Subject Access Requests.
• Strong understanding of records management and information security principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly to non-specialists, deliver training, and drive cultural change.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively across organisational boundaries.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and strengthening information governance at Birmingham Newman University, ensuring compliance while enabling the institution to deliver its strategic ambitions.

Informal enquiries about this opportunity are welcome. Please contact Yvonne Salter Wright, University Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer via email at y.salt to discuss the role further.

• Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer (DPO) (PDF - 489KB)

(Please note that CVs are not accepted as part of the application process unless explicitly stated).

Birmingham Newman University offers a wide range of staff benefits including 35 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, chaplaincy and spiritual care, library services, free on-site parking, discounted travel scheme, cycle to work scheme, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services and staff development opportunities.