Data Protection Officer (Data Analyst)

Job Description: Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Job Title: Data Protection Officer
Location: London Academy for Applied Technology
Department: Governance / Compliance
Reports To: Operation Lead
Employment Type: Full-time

Role Summary:
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) ensures that all personal data relating to students, staff, applicants, and partners is processed lawfully, securely, and transparently in accordance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and OfS regulatory requirements. The DPO provides independent oversight, advises leadership, manages data incidents, and acts as the main contact with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee compliance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and OfS regulatory requirements.
  
• Develop and maintain data protection policies, retention schedules, privacy notices, and internal control procedures.
  
• Maintain the Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) and oversee retention and deletion schedules.
  
• Provide guidance to departments on lawful bases for processing, data minimisation, and safeguarding sensitive data.
  
• Lead Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and risk assessments.
  
• Manage data breaches, ensuring assessment, reporting, containment, and lessons learned.
  
• Deliver training and awareness programs for staff and stakeholders.
  
• Serve as primary contact for the ICO and support OfS inspections or audits.
  
• Report compliance, risks, and incidents to Senior Leadership and Governing Body.
  

Role Profile: Data Analyst

Purpose of the Role:
To provide data-driven insights that support decision-making, reporting, and continuous improvement across the institution. The Data Analyst ensures the accuracy, integrity, and actionable use of institutional data.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collect, clean, and analyse institutional data, including student records, attendance, academic performance, and operational metrics.
  
• Produce regular dashboards, reports, and data visualisations for senior leadership and governance committees.
  
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities using statistical analysis and predictive modelling.
  
• Collaborate with academic and administrative teams to ensure data accuracy and alignment with institutional objectives.
  
• Support compliance and audit requirements by validating data integrity and providing evidence for regulatory submissions.
  
• Recommend data-driven strategies for improving student outcomes, operational efficiency, and institutional performance.
  
• Maintain documentation, coding standards, and data governance best practices.
  

Impact:
The Data Analyst role ensures that the Academy can make informed, evidence-based decisions, improve operational efficiency, and maintain high standards of reporting, compliance, and student outcomes.

Requirements

Person Specification:

• Deep knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, PECR, and higher education data governance.
  
• Experience in DPO, Data Governance, Compliance, or senior information-management roles.
  
• Proven ability to conduct DPIAs, compliance audits, and risk assessments.
  
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership.
  
• High integrity, independence, and impartiality.
  

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Python, R, or equivalent) and visualisation software (Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
  
• Strong numerical and statistical skills, with attention to detail.
  
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate insights clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
  
• Experience with data governance, privacy compliance, and secure handling of sensitive information.
  
• Collaborative approach with strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.