Head of Governance and Democratic Services

Head of Governance and Democratic Services

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance

37 hours per week

We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Wigan Council is an ambitious, resident-focused authority with a strong reputation for innovation, partnership working and delivering positive outcomes for communities. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our team as Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer (DPO), a critical role at the heart of the Council's corporate leadership, democratic accountability and public trust.

This pivotal role sits at the heart of the Council's governance framework and will provide strategic leadership across democratic governance, ethical standards, information governance and data protection. Reporting to the Monitoring Officer, you will work closely with elected Members, the Chief Executive, Executive and Corporate Leadership Team to ensure the Council maintains the highest standards of transparency, accountability and legal compliance while supporting delivery of the Council's ambitious Progress with Unity agenda.

As Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence decision-making at the highest level, shaping governance arrangements that enable innovation, support transformational change and ensure the Council continues to meet the highest standards of transparency, integrity and accountability.

• Lead the Council's democratic governance functions, ensuring effective support for Council, Cabinet, committees and scrutiny arrangements.
• Maintain and continually develop the Council's Constitution and governance framework.
• Provide strategic advice on governance, decision-making and constitutional matters.
• Support the Monitoring Officer in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct, ethical governance and corporate accountability.
• Lead Member support, governance training and development programmes.
• Ensure effective systems of assurance, transparency and risk management across the organisation.
• Provide strategic oversight and assurance for the delivery of local, regional and national elections, ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities effectively and transparently.

• Act as the Council's designated Data Protection Officer, providing independent oversight and advice on compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation.
• Develop, implement and monitor information governance and data protection frameworks.
• Advise senior leaders, Members and services on data protection risks, obligations and best practice.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging technologies, digital transformation and the ethical use of data, ensuring innovation is supported by robust governance and compliance arrangements.
• Oversee data breach reporting, investigations and remedial action.
• Maintain effective policies relating to privacy, records management, information sharing and information security.
• Act as the Council's principal point of contact with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
• Promote a culture of information governance awareness and compliance across the organisation.

• Provide strategic leadership for governance, democratic services, elections, information governance and data protection.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support organisational transformation and service reform programmes, ensuring governance arrangements enable innovation while maintaining robust legal and constitutional compliance.
• Build effective relationships with Members, senior officers, regulators, partners and external stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and continuous improvement, fostering public confidence in the Council and its decision-making.
• Ensure governance and information management arrangements support effective service delivery, public confidence and the successful delivery of Progress with Unity.

• We are looking for an experienced and credible leader who can demonstrate:
• A recognised qualification in law, governance, information governance, data protection or a related discipline is desirable. Professional qualifications such as ICSA/CGI, legal qualifications, GDPR practitioner qualifications or equivalent experience are welcomed.
• Significant experience in governance, legal, democratic services, elections, information governance or related local government functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of…