Data Protection Officer

About the role

We are currently seeking a Data Protection Officer to join us at The Bedford College Group. As a Data Protection Officer, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

Data Protection Leadership & Governance - Act as the Group’s designated Data Protection Officer, providing expert advice and assurance on UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information, privacy, and information governance requirements while promoting a culture of compliance and accountability. Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Management - Monitor organisational compliance, maintain the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), manage data protection risks, and ensure Privacy by Design principles are embedded across projects and systems. Data Rights, FOI & Incident Management - Lead the management of Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests, data rights enquiries, and personal data breaches, ensuring statutory deadlines are met and appropriate reporting to regulatory bodies is completed. Training, Advice & Stakeholder Support - Develop and deliver data protection and information governance training, provide practical guidance to managers and staff, and advise on data sharing agreements, supplier compliance, and third-party data processing arrangements. Leadership & Continuous Improvement - Manage and develop the Data Protection team, allocate resources effectively, monitor performance, drive continuous improvement, and maintain high standards of safeguarding, equality, health & safety, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Data Protection Leadership & Governance
• Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Management
• Data Rights, FOI & Incident Management
• Training, Advice & Stakeholder Support
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Requirements

• HND (or equivalent), GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), and formal data protection training
• Extensive knowledge of GDPR, data protection legislation, compliance frameworks, and information governance best practice
• Proven experience conducting compliance audits, implementing data protection policies and procedures, investigating data breaches, managing regulatory requirements, and ensuring organisational compliance with data protection legislation
• Strong track record of designing and delivering training programmes, producing high-quality reports and presentations, and demonstrating excellent people management, communication, and influencing skills at all levels
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail, project management, analytical, decision-making, and prioritisation skills, supported by advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and handling sensitive information confidentially
• Able to work independently or collaboratively under pressure, build effective professional relationships, uphold safeguarding, equality, diversity, and health & safety standards, while demonstrating flexibility, commitment to continuous professional development, and willingness to travel across all locations

Qualifications

HND (or equivalent), GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), and formal data protection training, with extensive knowledge of GDPR, data protection legislation, compliance frameworks, and information governance best practice.

Skills

• Strong track record of designing and delivering training programmes
• Producing high-quality reports and presentations
• Excellent people management, communication, and influencing skills at all levels
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail, project management, analytical, decision-making, and prioritisation skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and handling sensitive information confidentially

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays
• People’s pension
• Retail and Leisure Discounts
• Excellent professional and personal development opportunities
• Accessing college courses

Pay

Salary is between £41,086 and £47,971 per annum DOE and Qualifications.

Schedule

37 hours per week – 52 weeks per year, Permanent – Full Time.