Role Characteristics
- Develop policies, procedures and guidance around Information Governance
- Ensure that staff are compliant with all Information Governance policies
- Review and report any serious breaches of data to senior staff
- Provide support and guidance with regards to Information Governance
- Create reports and presentations for senior staff
- Monitor annual data security awareness training
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Organisation
- Problem-solving
- Using data
- Written communication
Routes into this role
Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.
- Volunteering or work experience
- GCSEs
- BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
- An apprenticeship
- Undergraduate degree
How to become
There are several ways to start a career as a Data Protection Officer, whether you're about to leave education, looking for your first job, or changing careers.
Here are some ideas, and you can explore current opportunities in the section below.
- Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths, alongside Business, Information Technology, or Public Services related courses, T Levels and BTECs.
- Build workplace experience – this could be paid work, volunteering, or work experience online or in person. Experience in administration, customer service, business support, records management, compliance, IT support, or legal services can all help you develop relevant skills.
- Complete a pre-employment programme – a short course which supports you to gain confidence, skills, and experience helping you prepare for work.
- Apprenticeships – you can gain experience in the workplace whilst also studying a specific Data Protection Officer qualification, or a related qualification such as Business and Administration.
- University courses – while not required, employers may look favourably at undergraduate degrees in related fields, such as Law, Business, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science.
- Moving from another role – often people move into data protection roles from related areas, such as information management, media and communications, legal support, or digital security. Employers are looking to see that you have developed skills like handling sensitive information, administration, records management, IT, risk management, and communication.
You may also choose to follow a specialist training route by completing professional qualifications in data protection and information governance, such as courses provided by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), or other recognised data protection training providers. These can help you develop specialist knowledge of data protection law, privacy, and information security.
Where can this role lead
From your role as a Data Protection Officer, you could develop your experience and responsibilities to become a Data Protection Manager in charge of a team. You could also use your analytical and problem-solving skills to move into roles such as Business Analyst or Analyst.
Your experience advising colleagues, managing risk, and working across organisations would also translate well into sideways moves such as Human Resources Officer or Public Relations Officer.
Progression might involve becoming a Project Manager or Service Manager, taking responsibility for larger teams, programmes, and organisational priorities. If you enjoy improving systems and services but would prefer less focus on data protection legislation, these roles offer opportunities to apply your governance, communication, and organisational skills in a wider context.
Location
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At Home
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Offices
Working hours
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Weekdays
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Part Time
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Full Time
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Overtime
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Flexible Hours
Opportunities
Leeds City College Business and Events courses
- Organisation
- Leeds City College