Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager

Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager

Hours per week: 37
Contract type:
Permanent

Ready to shape the future of digital governance at Luton Council? Join us as our Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager—a pivotal role driving our Digital 2040 Agenda. If you’re passionate about embedding a culture of accountability, leading strategic transformation, and ensuring robust data protection across all services, this is your chance to make a lasting impact in a forward-thinking organisation.

Salary: £60,379 - £63,721 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance

Hours per week: 37
Contract type:
Permanent

Step into a pivotal leadership role at Luton Council. We are looking for a moderniser for our data protection, Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request practice. As our Deputy Data Protection Officer & Compliance Improvement Manager, you’ll be at the heart of driving our Digital 2040 vision—ensuring council-wide compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, shaping policy, and embedding a culture of robust information governance.

You’ll lead on data protection performance, respond to subject access requests and data breaches, advise on reporting to the ICO, and deliver expert training across the organisation. This is your opportunity to influence strategic transformation, guide cross-departmental initiatives, and represent Luton Council in regional and national forums—making a real impact on service delivery, risk management, and our community’s digital future.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

We’re seeking a proactive, influential leader with a passion for data protection and organisational improvement.

• Ensuring compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, interpreting legislation and turning compliance risks into actionable guidance.
• Monitoring and reporting on data protection performance, using dashboards and analytics to drive service improvement.
• Leading responses to Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and data breaches.
• Drafting and updating data protection policies and procedures, and delivering engaging training on information governance.
• Driving cross-departmental collaboration and representing organisations in external forums.
• Supporting organisational change and audit readiness.
• Strong team leadership and management skills essential to driving our efficiency agenda.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills for reports, policies, and training.
• Strong judgement and independence, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Integrity and confidentiality under pressure.
• A deep understanding of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, EIR, and ICO procedures.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, plus a practitioner-level professional qualification.
• Demonstrable knowledge of equality issues and legislation.
• Experience in the public sector or local government, supporting audits and inspections, and evidence of continuous professional development are highly desirable.

At Luton Council, we are committed to delivering excellent services that meet the needs of our diverse community. We believe our people are our greatest asset and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Flexible working arrangements
• A chance to make a real difference in the community

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a forward-thinking local authority, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to our Project Lead, Joanne Cumper, to learn more, email her on  and set up a call.

Apply via the Luton Website providing an updated CV and Supporting Statement. Closing date for applications is 1 February 26. Interviews will be held 11 February 26. On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received.