Head of Information Governance and Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Contract hours: 37 hours per week        

Job Outline:

Birmingham Newman University is seeking to appoint an experienced information governance professional with expertise and insight to lead across the University on all related aspects and to fulfil the statutory role of Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Reporting to the University Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, this is an influential institution-wide role, providing advice and assurance to the most senior stakeholders. As Head of Information Governance and DPO, you will ensure that robust, compliant, and effective information governance practices are embedded across all academic and professional service directorates, providing expert advice on managing information risk.

You will serve as the University’s primary contact for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and for individuals exercising their information rights. The role combines organisational leadership with operational oversight and implementation, including the development of policies and frameworks, management of information rights requests, oversight of data breaches and risk mitigation, and delivery of training to build a culture of accountability. The role will work closely in our Digital and IT Directorate to ensure effective and compliant data protection and information security practices while enabling institutional strategic goals and priorities.

We want to hear from you if you:

• Want to join a growing and successful University with an ambitious strategy (See BE MORE: Our Future, Our Birmingham Newman)
• Have substantial experience in information governance and data protection within a complex organisation.
• Have expert knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations, and associated codes of practice.
• Can demonstrate experience of acting in a senior advisory capacity, influencing strategic decision-making and organisational policy.
• Have proven ability to design, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Have experience of managing data protection risks, including breach investigation, and undertaking Data Protection Impact Assessments and Subject Access Requests.
• Strong understanding of good practice in records management and information security principles with the ability to adapt in the context of a small but growing institutional context.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly to non-specialists, deliver training and drive related cultural change across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Can exercise sound judgement, and manage competing priorities in a complex environment.
• Experience of working both independently as well as collaboratively across organisational boundaries, including with IT specialists and external partners.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and strengthening information governance at Birmingham Newman University, ensuring compliance while enabling the institution to deliver its strategic ambitions.

Informal enquiries about this opportunity are very welcome. Please contact Yvonne Salter Wright, University Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer via email in the first instance at y.salter.wright@staff.newman.ac.uk to discuss the role further.

An application form and further details about this role are available from newman.ac.uk/jobs. Please email your completed application form by the advertised closing date to: recruitment@newman.ac.uk.

Please note that CVs are not accepted as part of the application process unless explicitly stated

Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 12^th August 2026

Birmingham Newman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Birmingham Newman University is located on Genners Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, West Midlands, B32 3NT.

Advert information