Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints Officer

Job Introduction We are looking for a Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints Officer to join our Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints (DPIAC) team to take on a varied and valued role, working across the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). This is a 2 year fixed-term contract opportunity. With a career at RSH you’ll be joining an organisation that gives you the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, regulating a sector that houses 4 million people across England. You will play an essential role in the regulator’s approach to compliance with data protection and information access legislation and in learning from and responding to complaints. We are seeking an enthusiastic, approachable person with knowledge and experience of responding to Freedom of Information, Data Protection or Environmental Information requests. Job Description: You will be responsible for managing the responses to information requests made to the Regulator of Social Housing (the regulator) under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and to requests to re-use information. You will liaise with colleagues to identify and retrieve requested information, to consider applicable exemptions or exceptions, to consult third parties where necessary and prepare responses. You will also have responsibility for reviewing and updating the regulator’s privacy notices and checking that our procurement processes are fit for purpose. As part of your role, you will participate in training staff, providing reports on the regulator’s performance in response to information access requests and for supporting information management activity within the regulator. You will be also responsible for the oversight and smooth running of the complaints process and for reviewing and preparing responses to complaints about the regulator. Responsibilities: As the successful candidate, you will be self-motivated and approachable with excellent people and communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain our responsibilities under the legislation as well as the exemptions or exceptions that may apply. Up to date knowledge of, and experience in, responding to rights requests and the law relating to data protection and information access is essential, as are excellent record keeping and organisational skills. You should have experience of customer service, or complaints handling and will be able to consider how the regulator has responded to complaints, whether our processes have been followed and to identify and embed any lessons to be learned. The role will require the ability to influence others, to challenge when appropriate and to develop appropriate systems to facilitate our work. A qualification in information rights, data protection, customer service or complaint handling is desirable. General Information: Why work at RSH? At RSH, we offer a fantastic range of benefits including a 35 hour working week, 33 days annual leave and access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme. Our staff survey results consistently show that our staff think that the best thing about working at the RSH is our flexible and hybrid working, along with our family friendly policies that support work-life balance. We also offer access to our staff discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, a Nuffield Health Screening; and a range of other well-being focussed benefits. Full information on this and our other fantastic benefits is available on our website. Location We operate a hybrid model of working with a mix of office and home working, as well as offering a range of flexible working arrangements. This role can be based out of any of RSH’s core offices in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. Our Manchester and Bristol offices will be relocating during 2025/26, however will remain within the city centre. Most roles involve some travel within England between our offices, with some roles also involving onsite visits to social housing providers. Interview Interviews are expected to take place in early November and will be held via Microsoft Teams. We expect this to be a one stage interview process. Benefits and Salary At RSH, we offer a competitive salary along with a range of excellent benefits; full information is available on our website. The salary for this role is a spot salary within the given range, which will normally be the minimum of the range. There is no incremental progression through a pay scale. Annual salary reviews are determined by the government pay award. Things you need to know Application process For more information on the role, please see the attached Role Profile. To apply, please complete the online application form on the RSH careers site detailing your experience. We will also ask you to provide a supporting statement or to answer specific role related questions, detailing how you meet the criteria of the role, which will be used in assessing your application. Guidance on the application process is available on our website. Candidates must have valid right to work in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide sponsorship and must also meet the requirements outlined in the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Please see our website for more information. Commitment to equality and diversity Our anonymous shortlisting process helps to ensure fair and consistent recruitment decisions, based solely on skills and experience. We are a Disability Confident Employer and shortlist those who best meet the minimum criteria as part of our commitment. We are passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and respected and has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities and life experiences, recognising that varied perspectives enrich our organisation.