Data Compliance Officer

Description

🛡️Data Compliance Officer (DCO)
📍 Hugh Baird College, Liverpool
🕓 Full-Time | Permanent
💷 £30,000-£35,000
🌴 40 days holiday + 8 bank holidays FTE
💼 LGPS Scheme
🎁 Access to Medicash and a wide range of staff benefits

Join an Outstanding Team

At Hugh Baird College, an Ofsted Outstanding provider, we are committed to inspiring, challenging, and transforming lives. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a workplace where ideas are valued, creativity is nurtured, and professional growth is supported.

About the Role

Are you an ambitious, process-driven professional looking for a role where you can truly make your mark and fast-track your career? This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a brand-new, highly visible post designed for someone ready to take their development to the next level.

As our Data Compliance Officer, you won’t just be following existing routines, you’ll have the autonomy to build, design, and own our data protection frameworks from scratch. Working directly alongside our Data Protection Officer, you will become our go-to expert for information governance, taking charge of our college policies, building central asset registers, and managing statutory data requests.

Whether you’re stepping up from a senior administrative role, a data-focused track, or a governance background, we are fully committed to investing in your growth.

We offer comprehensive, funded training, including professional UK GDPR and compliance certifications, giving you all the tools, backing, and system autonomy you need to build a standout career in organisational compliance.

Interested candidates are advised to apply early, as the vacancy will close once the right candidate is found.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain the College's core data compliance frameworks, registers and tracking systems, including the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA), Information Asset Register and Data Breach Register.
• Coordinate and manage the end-to-end administration of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, ensuring all statutory deadlines are met.
• Support the development, review and implementation of Data Protection and Information Governance policies, ensuring ongoing compliance with current legislation and regulatory guidance.
• Monitor compliance across the College, carrying out audits, spot checks and reviews to identify areas for improvement and support departments in addressing any compliance gaps.
• Maintain accurate records of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) and Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with third-party organisations.
• Assist with the investigation, logging and reporting of data breaches and near misses, supporting communication with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) where required.
• Develop and maintain compliance monitoring systems for mandatory data protection and cyber security training, tracking completion rates and supporting a culture of continuous compliance.
• Keep abreast of changes in data protection legislation, ICO guidance and best practice, ensuring the College remains prepared for future regulatory developments.
• Build effective working relationships across the College, acting as a trusted source of advice and support on data compliance matters.
• Contribute to the College's commitment to excellence, accountability, innovation, collaboration and integrity in all aspects of the role.

Essential Criteria

• A recognised Data Protection or UK GDPR qualification, such as the BCS Foundation Certificate in Data Protection.
• Experience working in an administrative, audit, governance or compliance-focused role within a complex organisation.
• Experience creating and implementing systems, trackers or compliance frameworks from scratch.
• Strong experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, SharePoint or database management tools.
• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
• A current driving licence.

Please see attached person specification for the full criteria

Rewards and Benefits at Hugh Baird College

Why Join Hugh Baird College?

When you join us, you become part of a caring and supportive community that prioritises employee wellbeing, development, and recognition. Here are some of the benefits available to you:
Generous holiday allowance

Up to 50 days annual holiday allowance, excluding bank holidays.

Flexible Working

We offer flexible working options depending on the business need, which can provide a better work-life balance for our employees.

Medicash

Access to Medicash’s health plans which are designed to look after you and your family by boosting your access to treatment and support.

Pension Scheme

You will have access to two of the best pension schemes in the country, the Teachers' or the Local Government Pension schemes, depending on your role with us.
Professional Development

We are committed to providing continual professional development, with both formal and informal opportunities designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and career growth.

Industrial Commercial Updates

Our teachers receive 35 hours per year to choose a commercial operation to visit with a view to bringing new innovative ideas back to the College.
Reward and Recognition

Our 'Get Recognised' employee reward scheme enables continuous acknowledgement of employee contributions, and our annual staff celebration event highlights colleagues who consistently embody our values.

Lifestyle Fitness Gym

You will have discounted access to our fully-equipped and modern on-campus Lifestyle Fitness gym.
Health and Wellbeing

You will have opportunities to take part in staff groups such as yoga, walking and meditation. You will also have access to Mental Health support and a Cycle to Work scheme.

Travel

You can take advantage of discounted rail travel or bus travel, interest-free season ticket loans for public transport services and free on-campus parking.
Retail Discounts

You will have access to offers to cashback and discounts at well-known retailers.

Blue Light Card

You may be eligible to apply for a Blue Light card, giving you access to exclusive discounts.
Who We Are

Hugh Baird College and University Centre is one of the top further education providers in the UK and one of only three colleges in the North West to hold an Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Serving the Liverpool City Region, the College includes Sefton Sixth Form College in Litherland and offers a wide range of opportunities, including vocational training for school leavers and adults, apprenticeships, A-levels, and university-level courses.

As a Mindful Employer, we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture around mental health. By signing the Charter for Employers Positive about Mental Health, we ensure our colleagues feel confident discussing mental health and accessing the support they need.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Across our campuses, provisions, and the entire organisation, we are united by a shared vision, mission, strategic priorities, and values. These define who we are, shape our behaviour, and guide our work every day. Find out more

Safeguarding Our Students
Hugh Baird College is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect all staff to uphold this commitment. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, and applicants must disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or final warnings in accordance with current guidelines.

Are you ready to make your mark?

This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking team, shape the future of education, and leave a legacy of impact. Start your application today.