Data Protection Officer

Canal & River Trust

. Provide independent oversight and assurance on compliance with data protection legislation, regulatory guidance and internal policies .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeUnited KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £75,000 - £85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data protection legislation, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, while providing strategic guidance on privacy risks and compliance. Capable of leading data protection assurance programs and managing complex regulatory engagements across various organizational functions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Protection ComplianceRisk AssessmentData Protection Impact AssessmentsRegulatory EngagementData Protection Training

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

UK GDPRData Protection Act 2018Data (Use and Access) Act 2025PECRData Breach ManagementInformation Rights ManagementPrivacy Risk ManagementData Sharing ComplianceInformation GovernanceAnalytical Skills

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationInfluencing SkillsIndependent JudgementCollaborative Working

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Data Protection Qualification

Industry Keywords

Data ProtectionPrivacyInformation GovernanceRegulatory ComplianceDigital TransformationEmerging TechnologiesPrivacy by DesignData Subject RightsThird-Party ProcessingTransparency in Data Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide independent oversight and assurance on compliance with data protection legislation, regulatory guidance and internal policies
Lead a risk-based data protection assurance programme, identifying privacy risks and recommending improvements
Act as the primary point of contact with the Information Commissioner’s Office, managing regulatory enquiries, notifications and communications
Oversee data subject rights requests and information rights processes
Provide expert guidance on personal data breaches and incidents, including risk assessment, reporting obligations, investigations and corrective actions
Advise on data sharing, supplier relationships, international data transfers and third-party processing arrangements
Champion privacy by design and oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments for projects, systems, services and organisational changes
Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on data protection risks, digital transformation, emerging technologies and responsible data use
Lead data protection awareness, training and guidance programmes
Monitor emerging legislation, regulatory developments and best practice
Promote transparency, trust and responsible management of personal information across the Trust’s activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience working in data protection, privacy or information governance within a large or complex organisation
Experience providing Executive and Board-level advice and challenge on significant data protection and privacy risks
Experience leading or providing professional direction to data protection or information governance specialists
Experience managing complex DPIAs, data breaches, information rights matters and regulatory engagement
Experience working with IT, Digital, Procurement, Legal and operational teams on privacy risks arising from technology, systems and third-party arrangements
Expert knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and PECR
Good understanding of wider information governance, information rights and records management requirements
Strong understanding of data protection risks arising from digital transformation, artificial intelligence, automated processing, information security, surveillance, employee data and fundraising
Strong analytical and risk-assessment skills
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders and explain complex issues clearly
Ability to exercise independent judgement while working collaboratively across the organisation
Relevant professional data protection or privacy qualification, or equivalent demonstrable expertise
37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive pension scheme
Increasing holiday entitlement
A range of employee benefits