Group Data Protection Officer in Liverpool

We are currently looking to hire a Data Protection Officer to join Torus Group! This is a permanent role based in Liverpool with travel to other sites in the North West required.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a Group with a strong social purpose.  Torus works in partnership with local authorities predominantly in Liverpool, Warrington and St Helens to improve lives and create thriving, vibrant communities through support, investment, development and regeneration.

We own and manage around 40,000 homes in Warrington, St Helens, Liverpool and beyond, making Torus the region’s largest affordable housing provider.

The role involves managing Data Protection across the Group, encompassing policies, procedures, controls, and guidance to ensure a consistent approach and compliance with relevant regulations. Additionally, the postholder will aid in the development, coordination, and monitoring of key risk and assurance information, ensuring the effective implementation and maintenance of the Group's risk management, internal controls, and assurance frameworks. As part of the legal team, reporting directly to Legal Counsel, the role provides data protection guidance and support at all levels within the Group. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance this service area. The role also includes the responsibility of training, supporting, and supervising a data protection apprentice throughout their apprenticeship.

Responsibilities:

• Providing high quality and practical data protection advice to managers within the Group. 
• Provide overall management of Data protection within Torus, working with designated managers to ensure the use and collection of Data across the organisation is compliant with legislation and maintain existing policies and procedures and registers to support this.
• Work with the management team to ensure adherence to legislation and ensure best practice is adopted.
• Work with and support Legal Counsel on the strategic direction of data protection ensuring robust yet streamlined processes. 
• Act as the nominated DPO and ensuring group wide compliance, supporting the Group with its ambitions and compliance and if necessary, providing assurance to board / committee members.
• Ensure that robust and comprehensive Data Quality and Protection controls are in place across the group, based on current and, as required, new guidelines and legislation and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Ensure data protection breaches are investigated and remedial action taken where appropriate.
• Oversee and support stakeholders with Subject Access Requests, ensuring they are carried out in accordance with statute and policy.
• Carry out and assist with DPIAs / LIAs and advise on any necessary controls to mitigate risk.
• Engage and be the point of contact for ICO. 
• Support in the line management of the data protection apprentice which includes supervision, reviewing performance and delivery of tasks. 
• You will collaborate with stakeholders on all aspects of data protection, offering training, support, and resolution-based advice to ensure compliance with data protection legislation, while actively promoting a culture of data protection compliance within the Group.
• You will work within a heavily regulated environment, adhering to statutory deadlines, the Group's policy framework, and relevant procedures, while delivering services within the corporate risk management framework to ensure effective risk management. You should also be prepared to innovate within the risk appetite, ensuring that processes are compliant, robust, and practical.

Skills & Experience:

• Degree level education or equivalent relevant training/experience.
• Professional Data Protection qualification
• Evidence of and commitment to continual professional and personal development.
• Track record in delivering a central operational service which has resulted in measurable business benefits.
• Significant experience of dealing with Data Protection legislation and regulation. 
• A successful track record of achievement in shaping and implementing GDPR in a complex organisation.
• Evidence of delivering good practice in stakeholder support to support and drive business needs.
• Evidence of transforming business processes within GDPR to support streamlining processes. 
• Evidence of operating collaboratively.
• Ability to take responsibility for performance.
• Evidence of demonstrating the importance of value for money in everyday operations
• Demonstrates a commitment to E&D in the workplace and in the delivery of services to customers and the community.

What we offer:

• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 25 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after five years of dedicated service.
• Family Support: Enjoy enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay, ensuring you can focus on what matters most during significant life events.
• Financial Flexibility: Take advantage of our holiday purchase scheme, Aviva pension plan, and Salary Finance for affordable loans. With Wagestream, access a portion of your pay instantly.
• Travel and Transport: Explore our lease car scheme and employee discounts on various products, including bikes and holidays.
• Continuous Learning: Access a range of learning opportunities, including e-learning workshops and support for professional qualifications.
• Recognition and Well-being: Participate in our reward and recognition schemes, volunteer in your community, and benefit from enhanced sick pay and discounted gym memberships.
• Flexible Working: We champion flexible and agile working, supporting your individual needs and preferences.
• Comfortable Workspaces: Enjoy well-designed offices with excellent public transport links, alongside access to employee assistance programs and occupational health support.
• Health and Wellness: For eligible employees, we offer BUPA health expenses coverage, ensuring your health needs are taken care of.
• Social Activities: Torus has a designated social committee who organise events throughout the year aimed as supporting employees wellbeing, feeling of belonging and driving an inclusive workplace.

Interview Process:

Candidates will undergo in-person interviews, consisting of a competency-based interview.

Additional Information:

Each successful applicant will be required to complete the following pre-employment checks prior to a start date being agreed:

• Right to work verification
• Qualification certificate check
• 2x Completed references
• OH Health Questionnaire – Fit For Work
• DBS check (if required for role)
• Completion of all new starter documentation including signed T&C’s

Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Ready to take your legal career to the next level? Apply now and be part of a team that's making a difference