Senior Information Governance Officer (Data Protection)

Belfast City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Information Governance Officer (Data Protection) to join the Legal and Civic Services Department during a period of increased workload. You will support the Council's Records Management function and act as a key expert in Data Protection compliance, ensuring adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and wider information governance legislation. This is a hybrid role, with initial full-time office attendance for training, followed by a 3 days office / 2 days remote working pattern. Key Responsibilities Lead on compliance with Data Protection legislation and associated governance frameworks Manage and respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs) efficiently and accurately Provide expert advice to senior leaders on data protection risks and compliance Design and deliver training to staff and elected members Draft and maintain policies, procedures, and public-facing guidance Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) Investigate data breaches and recommend corrective actions Maintain the corporate personal data register and information sharing agreements Support Freedom of Information and Environmental Information requests Liaise with the Information Commissioner's Office where required Contribute to audits, reporting, and continuous improvement of governance processes About You We are looking for a confident and experienced information governance professional who can operate at a senior level. You will bring: Strong working knowledge of GDPR and UK data protection legislation Experience advising senior stakeholders on compliance and risk Proven ability to design and deliver training Experience developing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment Essential Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following: A third-level qualification in a relevant subject (or equivalent) plus 1 year relevant experience in key areas, or At least 2-3 years' experience in: Data protection advisory work Training delivery on data protection topics Policy and guidance development Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in supporting a major public sector organisation in delivering robust, compliant, and high-quality information governance services during a critical operational period