Principal Information Governance & Data Protection Officer

Shape the future of information governance in one of London’s most ambitious boroughs.

Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.

Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.

Hackney is transforming the way it delivers services for residents, businesses and communities. As technology, digital services and data become increasingly central to everything we do, we are looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Information Governance & Statutory Data Protection Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the Council’s Information Governance service while fulfilling the statutory role of Data Protection Officer. You will influence strategic decision-making across the organisation, helping to ensure that privacy, transparency and information governance are embedded at the heart of everything we deliver.

Working with senior leaders, elected Members and services across the Council, you will provide expert advice on complex information governance matters, enabling innovation while ensuring compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation and wider information governance requirements.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, you will provide strategic leadership for the Council’s Information Governance function and lead a specialist team responsible for:

– Delivering the Council’s statutory Data Protection Officer responsibilities.

– Leading Information Governance, including FOI, Environmental Information Regulations, Subject Access Requests, Records Management, Data Protection Impact Assessments and breach management.

– Developing and delivering the Council’s Information Governance strategy, policies and assurance framework.

– Providing authoritative advice to senior leaders, Members and statutory partners on information governance, privacy and information risk.

– Leading organisational culture change to embed privacy by design across services, digital programmes and transformation initiatives.

– Maintaining the Council’s Record of Processing Activities (RoPA), Information Governance risk register and governance framework.

– Supporting major transformation, procurement and digital programmes to ensure compliance is built in from the outset.

– Representing Hackney externally across regional and national information governance networks.

– You will also lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team while working collaboratively across services to improve governance, reduce risk and support better outcomes for residents.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced Information Governance professional with the credibility and confidence to operate at senior leadership level.

You’ll bring:

– Significant experience leading Information Governance within a complex organisation.

– Expert knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation, Environmental Information Regulations and Records Management.

– Experience acting as, or supporting, a statutory Data Protection Officer.

– A proven track record of advising senior executives and influencing strategic decision-making.

– Strong experience of information risk management, governance and regulatory compliance.

– Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

– The ability to balance innovation, digital transformation and service improvement with robust governance and legal compliance.

– Professional qualifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent are desirable.

Why Hackney?

Hackney is one of London’s most diverse, vibrant and innovative boroughs. We’re committed to delivering excellent public services while embracing digital transformation and putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

In return, you’ll join an ambitious organisation where your expertise will directly influence corporate strategy, shape organisational culture and help protect the information that underpins every service we deliver.

If you’re ready to lead Information Governance at the heart of one of London’s most forward-thinking councils, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: The Council reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 23 August 2026 (22.59)

Interview date: TBC

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk