data protection officer (dpo)

Role Overview

We are looking for an autonomous, hands-on Interim Data Protection Officer (DPO) to provide strategic oversight, act as statutory DPO under UK GDPR, and lead our Information and Data Governance team.

This role combines regulatory compliance with operational delivery. You will focus on resolving an operational backlog driven by Freedom of Information (FOI) requests while helping senior leadership restructure and transition elements of the team into Legal and Risk functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Statutory DPO: Serve as the Bank's independent DPO, primary ICO contact, and lead on DPIAs, data breach escalations, and privacy risk.
• Team Leadership & Restructure: Direct a team of 7 specialists and guide the function through an upcoming organizational restructure and workload redistribution.
• Backlog Clearance: Streamline operations to eliminate an active backlog of FOI, EIR, and DSAR requests.
• Senior Stakeholder Advisory: Provide risk-based advice and independent challenge to Executive Committees and the Board.

Requirements

• Experience: Proven track record as a DPO, Deputy DPO, or Head of Privacy, with hands-on team restructuring and change management experience (not pure consulting).
• Sector Background: Public sector, banking, or financial services experience highly beneficial due to FOI complexity.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, EIR, and regulatory frameworks.