Data Protection Officer

This is a contract until 30/10/2026, working in a digital-focused environment, with a competitive day rate in the £500 umbrella range. The role is based in one of several UK hubs - Belfast, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Nottingham or Salford - on a hybrid model (2 days per week in the office). The opportunity • Act as the central coordinator for Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and complaints. • Log, triage and track cases end-to-end, ensuring statutory deadlines are met and any extensions or exemptions are applied appropriately and defensibly. • Commission searches and input from different directorates, setting clear instructions, deadlines and quality expectations, and chasing/escalating where needed. • Review material for relevance and sensitivity, coordinate redactions in line with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and FOIA, and maintain a robust audit trail. • Draft clear, accurate responses (including refusal or partial disclosure notices), ensuring the right sign-offs and a consistent professional tone. • Provide practical advice and guidance to colleagues on information rights, records handling and effective searches. • Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including central government departments where required. • Identify recurring risks and themes and help to improve processes, templates and training. • Support wider knowledge and information management activities as needed. What our client is looking for • Proven experience handling information rights casework - especially SARs and FOI requests - including commissioning searches, applying exemptions and drafting high-quality responses. • Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, plus a practical understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and statutory timescales. • Ability to work as a self-starter, managing competing priorities and driving cases through to completion in a fast-paced environment. • Excellent judgement and attention to detail, with the ability to handle sensitive information and maintain accurate records and audit trails. • Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to influence, challenge constructively and communicate clearly at all levels. • SC clearance (or the ability to obtain it) will be required. Why this could appeal to you • Rare chance to work on a high-impact public sector assignment . • Hybrid working with a choice of several UK locations. • Scope to shape processes and best practice around FOI, SARs and wider data protection. • Engage with a wide variety of stakeholders while remaining hands-on with complex casework.