Cover and GDPR Officer (Ratton School - South Downs Learning Trust)

Job Description

Hours of work: 30 Hours
Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only etc.
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 12pm Thursday 1 October 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Ratton School
Park Avenue
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 2XR

Phone: 01323 504011
Email: ahayden@ratton.co.uk
Website: www.ratton.co.uk

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

We are currently seeking a Cover & GDPR to join our team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in managing daily and planned cover arrangements for absent staff, ensuring the effective deployment of resources and the smooth operation of both teaching and non-teaching schedules. This role involves producing cover timetables, liaising with supply agencies, managing resources for supply teachers and overseeing the performance of Cover Supervisors.
In addition, you will provide support for monitoring of compliance with UK GDPR and the school’s data protection policies, acting as first point of contact for routine GDPR queries, assisting with Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
Key responsibilities include:
• Managing cover arrangements for both planned and unplanned staff absences.
• Liaising with supply agencies, negotiating rates and ensuring compliance with school policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Overseeing Cover Supervisors, conducting performance management reviews and providing daily briefings.
• Ensuring the smooth and efficient deployment of cover staff while maintaining high standards of teaching and learning.
• Managing the school’s cover resources, ensuring that all cover-related documentation is maintained in compliance with regulations.
• Maintain records and logs of data access, sharing, and breaches.
• Act as a first point of contact for routine GDPR queries from staff or data subjects, escalating complex issues to the Data & Systems Manager or DPO.
We are looking for a proactive and adaptable individual with strong organisational and leadership skills, along with significant experience in an administrative role - ideally within an educational setting.
You should also have the ability to lead a team, effectively manage resources and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders. Above all, you will be committed to upholding our safeguarding responsibilities and supporting the well-being of all students.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Grade: SS7 points 18-19 (£29,668 - £30,368 gross) pro rata
Actual Salary: £20,782.92 gross per annum = £1,731.91 gross per month.
Hours: 30 hours per week - 7.00am-1.30pm Monday to Friday (inc a 30-minute unpaid break daily)
Contract: Permanent, term time only & holiday pay entitlement.

IMPORTANT DATES AND HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please submit a completed application form (CVs will not be accepted).
• If you download the application form from our Vacancies page at Vacancies | Ratton, please email your completed form to: Mrs Hayden, Trust Executive Assistant at ahayden@ratton.co.uk
• Alternatively, you can apply directly via TES or Gov.UK platforms.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Thursday 1 October 2026
Interview Date: week commencing 5 October 2026
Start Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to review applications as they are received and may close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found.

About us

Additional Information
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.