We have a fantastic opportunity to join Sovereign Network Group (SNG) as Head of Data Privacy – DPO (Data Protection Officer) to lead the data protection team and the approach to the provision of data protection and privacy services and advice across SNG, as well as assuming the role of Data Protection Officer (DPO).
Based from either Basingstoke or Wembley, you’ll combine home and office working to ensure a positive work / life balance. There will be some regular travel to our office in Basingstoke.
It’s a really exciting time to join us as Sovereign have joined forces with Network Homes to form SNG. Together we provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across London and the South of England.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

You should have demonstrable experience in a data protection role at senior level, with previous experience in the role of Data Protection Officer. You should have an EU/UK accredited GDPR Practitioner qualification, or Data Protection Officer accreditation. You’ll also need:

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and be able to provide appropriate challenge to Officers and Managers on compliance with agreed policies and procedures
• Excellent organisation skills, with high attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, including the use of negotiation and influencing where appropriate
• Experience of using Privacy Impact Assessment Framework and of designing process mapping
• Strong stakeholder management skills, building trusted and credible relationships across the business
• A track record in leading a successful team, demonstrating focus on coaching and development

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

In this role, you’ll assure provision of expert advice and guidance to SNG employees and customers on all the requirements of the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, monitoring trends and best practice across the sector, and keeping up to date with developments in GDPR and Data Practice legislation and its implication for SNG.

This role will be the point of escalation for data subjects and for cooperating and consulting with national supervisory authorities, such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in relation to data protection matters. Main responsibilities include:

• Assuring compliance with data protection legislation and promoting a data protection culture within the organisation
• Driving implementation of essential elements of data protection legislation, such as the principles of data processing, data subjects’ rights, data protection impact assessments, records of processing activities, security of processing, and notification and communication of data breaches
• Providing expert advice, guidance, and information to the organisation including senior colleagues and the board, and those processing its personal data regarding their legal and regulatory obligations
• Overseeing the implementation of data compliance tools and ensuring robust policies and procedures are in place to achieve consistent good practice across the organisation
• Undertaking confidential investigations in relation to data breaches as appropriate, making recommendations to the business on improvements or action relating to staff as necessary
• Managing the Data Protection team with a focus on articulating a clear vision, providing direction and support and driving continuous improvement

You should have demonstrable experience in a data protection role at senior level, with previous experience in the role of Data Protection Officer. You should have an EU/UK accredited GDPR Practitioner qualification, or Data Protection Officer accreditation. You’ll also need:

• Ability to exercise independent judgement and be able to provide appropriate challenge to Officers and Managers on compliance with agreed policies and procedures
• Excellent organisation skills, with high attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, including the use of negotiation and influencing where appropriate
• Experience of using Privacy Impact Assessment Framework and of designing process mapping
• Strong stakeholder management skills, building trusted and credible relationships across the business
• A track record in leading a successful team, demonstrating focus on coaching and developmen