Data Protection Lead
London Borough of Islington
About The Role
At Islington Council, we use data to improve lives. We’re looking for an experienced data protection professional to join our Information and Digital Governance service and help deliver lawful, ethical and high-quality services for residents.
This is a high-impact corporate role where you’ll help shape how data protection is understood and delivered across a complex organisation.
Why join us?
Islington is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, with a clear commitment to serving communities and challenging inequality.
You’ll join a supportive team and work across the council to build a strong culture of privacy, accountability and trust.
We offer:
- Flexible hybrid working (minimum one day in the office)
- A collaborative and inclusive working culture built on our CARE values (Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering)
- The opportunity to influence strategic priorities and major organisational initiatives
- A role with real visibility and impact across all directorates
About the role
As Data Protection Lead, you’ll be the council’s main advisor on day-to-day data protection matters, helping services meet their legal and ethical responsibilities.
You’ll work closely with the Data Protection Service Manager and DPO, providing practical advice and escalating complex or high-risk matters where needed.
You’ll help ensure data is used responsibly and in ways that support better outcomes for communities.
In this role, you will:
- Influence how services design and deliver projects
- Strengthen compliance and reduce data protection risk
- Build capability through training and guidance
What you’ll be doing
You’ll play a central role in embedding strong data protection practice by:
- Providing advice and support across the organisation
- Driving assurance, improvement and privacy by design
- Supporting incident response, complaints and reviews
- Strengthening policies, standards, data sharing and contracts
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to influence others.
You will bring:
- Experience in a data protection or information governance role
- Strong knowledge of UK GDPR and data protection requirements
- Experience of delivering training and embedding good practice
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders in complex environments
- Clear communication skills and the ability to give practical, proportionate advice
Most importantly, you’ll be committed to making data protection meaningful and accessible, not just compliant.
For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact:
Name and Job Title: Joe Luxton, Data Protection Service Manager
Email: [email protected]
We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.
We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.
We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
