Principal Information Governance Officer
£46,889 per annum - Grade 8
Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week
Closing date – 17 May at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.
We currently have a vacancy for a Principal Information Governance Officer to join our Information Governance Team.
As our Principal Information Governance Officer supporting the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP), you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Combined Authority meets its statutory responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. You will act as the VRP’s specialist lead for information governance, providing expert advice on data sharing with a wide range of external partners and ensuring all arrangements are robust, compliant and fit for purpose. Working closely with the VRP Director and the Head of Research, Analysis & Evaluation, you will help identify, access and govern data from diverse sources to support the VRP’s Knowledge Hub, problem-profiling activity and the development, review and delivery of the VRP strategy. As Principal Information Governance Officer, your work will ensure that data is not only rigorously analysed and ethically managed but also used to drive evidence-based action to reduce violence across West Yorkshire.
Our Offer
· Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
· Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
· Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
· Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
· Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
· Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
· Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
· Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
· Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Information Governance Manager & DPO, your key responsibilities will include:
· Support the Information Governance Manager (Data Protection Officer) in delivering a proactive, customer-focused information governance service, providing expert advice to officers in respect of the Combined Authority’s legal duties and responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI), the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), the Transparency Code, Elected Local Policing Body legislation, the law of confidentiality and other related legislation and codes of practice relating to the use of information, personal data and retention of records.
· Develop and maintain positive working relationships within the Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Police, other local authorities, other combined authorities, central government bodies and other organisations as appropriate.
Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
· Knowledge of data protection, freedom of information and transparency, records management matters and related legislation.
· Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.
· Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and challenge where needed.
· Experience of confidently and professionally conveying information both written and oral in a clear, concise and persuasive style.
· Significant experience of advising autonomously and independently on data protection compliance and significant experience of all the key information governance practice areas.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on
this page for support in completing your application form.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met