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Data Protection Officer (6053)

• Annual:From 45,900
• Location:Home Based, United Kingdom
• Group:
• Vacancy type:permanent
• Closing date:8 April 2026

Data Protection Officer Permanent 

35 hours per week

From £45,900 per annum
Location: Home-based

Location: Home-based

Benefits include but not limited to:

• 28 days holiday excluding bank holidays, going up with length of service
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
• We match up to 8% pension
• Free counselling service
• Opportunities to develop and widen your skills
• 2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us:The Children’s Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need. By joining us, you’ll contribute to shaping an organisation that is supportive, forward‑thinking, and empowered by both people‑centred approaches and smart, connected technology, enabling The Children’s Society to grow its impact and deliver on our mission.

About the role:

We are seeking a Data Protection Officer to lead and oversee all aspects of data protection and privacy compliance across The Children’s Society. This is a strategic and hands-on role, ensuring that our use of personal data is lawful, ethical, and supports our mission to improve the lives of children and young people. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, providing expert advice, managing risk, and embedding a culture of privacy by design. The role supports compliance across both office and remote working environments, ensuring secure handling of personal data wherever staff are based.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on and monitor compliance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and related regulations.
• Lead the development, implementation, and review of data protection policies, procedures, and training.
• Oversee and support the completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects and initiatives.
• Act as the main point of contact for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and other regulatory bodies.
• Manage and coordinate responses to data breaches and incidents, including investigation, notification, and lessons learned.
• Maintain records of processing activities (RoPA) and ensure data retention and secure disposal practices are followed.
• Oversee and respond to subject access and other individual rights requests within statutory timeframes.
• Provide guidance on privacy requirements in contracts, procurement, and third-party relationships.
• Support the organisation in the responsible use of data, including new technologies, analytics, and AI.
• Keep up to date with changes in data protection law and best practice, sharing knowledge and updating policies as needed.
• Deliver engaging training and awareness sessions to staff and volunteers.
• Ensure data protection practices align with safeguarding requirements and the specific needs of children and young people.
• About YouTechnical & ProfessionalSignificant experience in a data protection, privacy, or information governance role, ideally as a Data Protection Officer.
• Accredited data protection qualification (e.g., CIPP/E, IAPP, or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, PECR, and related guidance.
• Experience managing data breaches, DPIAs, and subject rights requests.
• Familiarity with privacy issues in cloud, SaaS, CRM, and analytics environments.
• Understanding of the Caldicott Principles and the common law duty of confidentiality, and how these interact with UK GDPR/DPA 2018 in health and social care contexts.
• Advantageous: experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector, or with children’s data and safeguarding.

Leadership & Communication 

• Ability to influence and advise colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative, proactive, and able to work independently.

Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 8 th April

Interviews:Yet to be confirmed

The Children’s Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 2 years of employment references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.

In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You’re welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.

• Annual:From 45,900
• Location:Home Based, United Kingdom
• Group:
• Vacancy type:permanent
• Closing date:8 April 2026