About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Information Governance Manager and Data Protection Officer to lead our Information Governance function and provide expert advice across the Service.
You will ensure information and personal data are managed securely, effectively and lawfully, while supporting compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and wider information legislation. As the Services Data Protection Officer, you will provide advice, assurance and leadership, manage information-related risks and drive continuous improvement.
Hybrid working may be considered for this role.
Closing Date: 21 October 2026 at 23:59 PM
Interview & Test Date: 2nd November
How to apply: We only accept direct applications through our LFRS website: https://leics-fire.gov.uk/current-vacancies
Main duties of the job
Job Objectives
Lead the Information Governance function and act as the Services Data Protection Officer under Article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Provide expert advice and assurance on data protection, information governance and information sharing. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including oversight of Data Protection Impacts Assessments, data breaches and information requests. Develop and maintain effective Information Governance procedures, processes training and guidance. Lead the Information Governance department, supporting performance, development and continuous improvement. Monitor emerging legislation and risks, providing timely advice to managers and the Strategic Leadership Team.Skills Requirement
Strong knowledge and practical experience of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act and Information Governance. Experience in a Data Protection Officer, Information Governance or similar role. Excellent ability to interpret legislation applicable to information governance and provide clear, practical advice. Strong communication, organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience of leading people and delivering continuous improvement. Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders. High levels of integrity, discretion and commitment to confidentiality.
About us
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Furthermore, we want to create a work environment where everyone feels safe, can be themselves and can perform their roles to the best of their abilities. We have signed up with a number of nationally recognised organisations that promote equality, diversity and inclusion and we are working with them to help us achieve our objectives.
These organisations include:
Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion
Department of Works and Pensions Disability Confident scheme
Asian Fire Service Association (AFSA)
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Safer recruitment practices, including identity, reference, and appropriate criminal record checks, will be applied throughout the recruitment process.
Sponsorship
Please take note that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Job description Job responsibilities
To lead the Services Information Governance function at a tactical level to support compliance with applicable data protection and transparency legislation; and records management; To act as the Data Protection Officer (DPO) as required by Article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); To provide expertise and advice relative to Information Governance compliance across all aspects of Services business including data protection, transparency and records management; To advise the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on information risk and implement organisational control measures; and To support initiatives for continuous improvement including Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI); and where required to manage projects. May 2025 Main Activities, Duties and Responsibilities: Support development of Service Policy; and to create, review and maintain effective, relevant and understandable Service Procedures and guidance relating to Information Governance functions. Promote a strong culture of information responsibility across the Service and ensure that Information Governance considerations are embedded into strategic decision-making, Service design, transformation programmes, procurement, digital services and day-to-day operational activity. Develop and deliver the Information Governance department plan, monitoring progress and performance seeking continuous improvement. Support Digital Transformation and development of use of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in Service processes; to ensure Service compliance and assurance. Actively engage and contribute at the Tactical Management Team and Middle Managers meetings, and any other forums commensurate with the role. Identify, and monitor budgets within the Information Governance department ensuring procurement of goods and services complies with financial regulations. Monitor compliance with applicable Information Governance legislation. Identify, evaluate, recommend, and implement improvements to personal data and non personal information processing activities; internally and when in collaboration with partners. Identify, develop, deliver, and monitor the effectiveness of Information Governance training to all employees and other stakeholders as required. Lead and ensure the identification, development and review of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), ensuring risks are appropriately assessed and proportionate control measures are identified, implemented and monitored. Lead the production and ongoing management of the Corporate Register of Processing Activities (ROPA), taking responsibility for ensuring it is fully populated, risk assessed, accurate, up to date and effectively managed. Take lead responsibility for managing and delivering all Rights of Access requests relating to personal and non-personal information, ensuring each request is appropriately and securely processed and completed within the required legal timeframes. Lead and undertake the investigation and management of personal data breaches and breaches of data protection principles, including recording and assessing associated risks. Contribute to wider investigations into security breaches and data loss. Lead the production and ongoing management of Fair Processing and Privacy Notices. Lead, produce and review Memorandum Of Understandings and Information Sharing Agreements where personal information is processed with partners and other organisations. May 2025 To guide and provide assurance to the Service that fair and lawful exchange of data and information is achieved with partners and other organisations. Establish standards for the creation, classification, retention, storage, retrieval, archiving and secure disposal of records; support Record Owners in managing lifecycle. Act as the Service point of contact for the Information Commissioner in the statutory role of Data Protection Officer. Review legal contracts for new procurements, the provision of services, Data Processors and Controller agreements; advising the Service Procurement Team on Information Governance matters. Publish and maintain accurate, relevant and timely information on the Services intranet Portal pages; and external Service website including maintaining the transparency Publication Scheme. To provide timely reports on Information Governance related performance, accessible to managers and members of the Combined Fire Authority. Line manage the Information Governance Officer (Deputy Data Protection Officer) and lead the Service Information Team (SIT) and Reception, providing overall departmental oversight and accountability. Develop relationships with colleagues, external stakeholders, suppliers, and others as appropriate to enable the delivery of the Information Governance function. Represent the Service on any relevant national, regional and local bodies related to the role. To undertake and support a variety of project roles internally and externally to achieve Service objectives.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Relevant vocational training qualification to a minimum of intermediate level. Relevant experience in an Information Management tactical role (middle manager role).
Desirable
Degree or other relevant academic qualification.
Experience Essential
Demonstrable experience in negotiation and influencing skills. Experience of handling sensitive personal information and maintaining confidentially. Experience of working on own initiative with minimal supervision. Experience of undertaking and guiding others through data protection and privacy risk assessments. Experience of leading a team at tactical / middle manager level. Experience of reporting Information Governance performance and risks to managers at all levels. Experience of producing, implementing and monitoring high level business plans in line with organisational objectives. Experience of budgetary management, complying with financial regulations within appropriate legal framework. Experienced in producing, implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of Information Governance strategies, policies, procedures and frameworks. Experience of communicating and responding effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including regulatory bodies regarding Information Governance matters, providing professional advice and decision making. Demonstrable experience, knowledge and understanding of Information Governance relevant to the size of the organisation and nature of its business including Data Protection, Freedom of Information and records management laws and codes of practice.
Desirable
Experience of undertaking project roles. Proven track record of being the key contact point with external regulators i.e. the Information Commissioners Office and Auditors.
Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills with proven experience of developing and working in strong and successful partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Personal integrity and authenticity, able to demonstrate high personal standards in dealing with people. Highly professional attitude and work ethic with a commitment to Continuing Personal and Professional Development and developing others. Proven ability to identify, design and implement organisational and technical solutions for Information Governance legislative compliance.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Address Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service
12 Geoff Monk Way
Birstall
Leicester
LE4 3BU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://leics-fire.gov.uk/current-vacancies (Opens in a new tab)