Information Management, Governance and Data Protection Lead

### Posting ID
PIP11487

On behalf of MHCLG , we are looking for an Information Management , Governance and Data Protection Lead (Inside IR35) for a 6 Month Remote contract with occasional visits to London and/or Birmingham.

The Local Audit Office (LAO) is a new independent public body being established to play a central role in rebuilding and strengthening the local audit system. Our work will help improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in local government, supporting better outcomes for communities across England.

As a Knowledge and Information Management and Data Protection Lead you will play a central role in shaping and initiating then leading the Local Audit Office’s KIM capability and initially act as the designated Data Protection Officer (in line with UK data protection legislation) and as the designated Departmental Records Officer (in line with the Public Records Act 1958).

Therefore, the position requires strong knowledge of information management , information governance and data protection. It will help establish the LAO's approach to managing information, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while supporting colleagues to make effective use of information.

You will

- Develop LAO’s KIM strategy, capability, policies and standards, ensuring alignment with government frameworks, statutory duties and organisational priorities.
- Set strategic direction, shape culture and visibly lead information stewardship.
- Act as Data Protection Officer and Departmental Records Officer, serving as the main contact for The National Archives, the ICO and data subjects.
- Lead information and records management , ensuring compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, UK GDPR and the Public Records Act.
- Provide assurance on information governance controls , information asset risks, compliance and proportionate mitigation.
- Advise on data protection compliance, including Data Protection Impact Assessments and personal data breach management .
- Engage senior stakeholders and information asset owners to strengthen accountability, maturity and responsible information management .
- Improve information discoverability, accessibility, usability, knowledge sharing and collaboration across the organisation.
- Work with digital and technology colleagues to ensure effective information management in Microsoft 365 and other corporate systems.
- Build KIM capability, support KIM professionals and champion best practice across the organisation, including guidance and training.

You will be able to demonstrate :

- Extensive experience leading Knowledge and Information Management activities and applying statutory requirements. (Lead Criteria).
- Demonstrable experience of contributing to building KIM capability within an organisation (Lead Criteria).
- Proven ability to develop and implement KIM policies, standards, and governance controls .
- Strong working knowledge of UK data protection legislation and practical experience of applying it in an organisational setting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical or legislative requirements clearly to non-specialist audiences.
- Ability to analyse information, solve problems and make sound recommendations based on evidence and risk.
- Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders to improve information maturity and manage information risks.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, MHCLG encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

MHCLG welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".