Head of Governance and Democratic Services

Priority Candidates will be considered in the first instance

Salary: Grade 16, £69,970 - £74,122 per annum (plus a market Enhancement of £10,000 per annum and a monthly payment of £208.33 relating to monitoring duties)

37 hours per week

We're on a journey to build a workforce reflective of our Borough.

We are committed to fostering diverse teams where everybody can bring their authentic selves to work and feel that they belong. If you want to work for a Council where everybody is encouraged to meet their full potential and make a difference in our neighbourhoods, we would love to hear from you!

Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Lead Governance Excellence and Build Public Trust

Wigan Council is an ambitious, resident-focused authority with a strong reputation for innovation, partnership working and delivering positive outcomes for communities. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our team as Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer (DPO), a critical role at the heart of the Council's corporate leadership, democratic accountability and public trust.

This pivotal role sits at the heart of the Council's governance framework and will provide strategic leadership across democratic governance, ethical standards, information governance and data protection. Reporting to the Monitoring Officer, you will work closely with elected Members, the Chief Executive, Executive and Corporate Leadership Team to ensure the Council maintains the highest standards of transparency, accountability and legal compliance while supporting delivery of the Council's ambitious Progress with Unity agenda.

About the Role

As Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence decision-making at the highest level, shaping governance arrangements that enable innovation, support transformational change and ensure the Council continues to meet the highest standards of transparency, integrity and accountability.

You will deliver a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including:

Governance and Democratic Services

• Lead the Council's democratic governance functions, ensuring effective support for Council, Cabinet, committees and scrutiny arrangements.
• Maintain and continually develop the Council's Constitution and governance framework.
• Provide strategic advice on governance, decision-making and constitutional matters.
• Support the Monitoring Officer in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct, ethical governance and corporate accountability.
• Lead Member support, governance training and development programmes.
• Ensure effective systems of assurance, transparency and risk management across the organisation.
• Provide strategic oversight and assurance for the delivery of local, regional and national elections, ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory responsibilities effectively and transparently.

Data Protection and Information Governance

• Act as the Council's designated Data Protection Officer, providing independent oversight and advice on compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and related legislation.
• Develop, implement and monitor information governance and data protection frameworks.
• Advise senior leaders, Members and services on data protection risks, obligations and best practice.
• Provide strategic advice on emerging technologies, digital transformation and the ethical use of data, ensuring innovation is supported by robust governance and compliance arrangements.
• Oversee data breach reporting, investigations and remedial action.
• Maintain effective policies relating to privacy, records management, information sharing and information security.
• Act as the Council's principal point of contact with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
• Promote a culture of information governance awareness and compliance across the organisation.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for governance, democratic services, elections, information governance and data protection.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support organisational transformation and service reform programmes, ensuring governance arrangements enable innovation while maintaining robust legal and constitutional compliance.
• Build effective relationships with Members, senior officers, regulators, partners and external stakeholders.
• Champion a culture of ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and continuous improvement, fostering public confidence in the Council and its decision-making.
• Ensure governance and information management arrangements support effective service delivery, public confidence and the successful delivery of Progress with Unity.

About You

• We are looking for an experienced and credible leader who can demonstrate:
• A recognised qualification in law, governance, information governance, data protection or a related discipline is desirable. Professional qualifications such as ICSA/CGI, legal qualifications, GDPR practitioner qualifications or equivalent experience are welcomed.
• Significant experience in governance, legal, democratic services, elections, information governance or related local government functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local government governance frameworks, constitutional arrangements and public sector accountability.
• Extensive knowledge of UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information legislation and information governance best practice.
• Experience advising senior leaders and elected Members on complex governance and compliance matters.
• A strong track record of leading teams, delivering service improvements and managing organisational change.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
• The ability to provide independent, balanced and pragmatic advice in a politically sensitive environment.
• An understanding of how effective governance enables transformational change, supporting organisational ambition while maintaining public trust and accountability.

Why Join Wigan Council?

• A high-profile leadership role at the centre of the Council's decision-making framework.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership culture.
• Excellent professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents, communities and the organisation.

Our Commitment

Wigan Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to serve residents and deliver excellent public services.

Closing Statement

Join Wigan Council at a pivotal moment in its journey. As Head of Governance & Data Protection Officer, you will help create the conditions for Progress with Unity to succeed, ensuring that strong governance, ethical leadership and public trust remain at the heart of everything we do.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact n.ellement@wigan.gov.uk

The Progress with Unity plan is a place movement for change for the next decade, bringing a new era for Wigan Borough. It draws on the strengths of our individual organisations, recognising that together we can achieve much more for our communities by delivering on our 2 place missions; create fair opportunities for all children, families, residents and businesses and make our towns and neighbourhoods flourish for those who live and work in them.

Here at Wigan, we are proud to support flexible working patterns, when the service can accommodate this. We also take a blended approach to where we work, depending on the work we do. This may include working from home, the office, or the community. We like to thank our employees for their hard work and commitment by giving them the opportunity to access a range of exclusive rewards and benefits click here to find out more about working for #TeamWigan.

To be appointed to this role you must be able to prove your right to work in the UK, and you must maintain a valid (active) right to work. Please note, at present we are not a licenced sponsor. Please visit the link below to check you qualify to apply. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Prove your right to work to an employer

Wigan Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. As part of this commitment, Wigan Council operates robust Safer Recruitment procedures

Interview date: Week commencing 5^th October 2026

This is a politically restricted role

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.

To view the details relating to this position, please click the links below: