Information Governance and Complaints Manager

‘Got a thing about the finer details?' You will need a good eye for detail in this role.

About you

We’re excited to be looking for a new Information Governance and Complaints Manager (Data Protection Officer) to lead, develop and manage our expert team of data and complaints professionals, and be responsible for the strategic and operational aspects of data protection compliance, information governance (including Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and Environmental Information Regulation 2004 (EIR) requirements), and corporate complaints.

This is a senior, high-impact role with the independence, visibility, and authority to shape how data protection operates across our Council. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, challenge constructively, and help embed practical, commercially focused privacy thinking into a fast-moving environment.

You have proven experience operating as a Data Protection Officer within a complex organisation and a recognised data protection qualification (or be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister), and familiarity with corporate complaints processes (including matters referred to the Ombudsman).

About the role and the team

In this role, you will:

• Lead the Council’s strategic and policy approach to information governance and complaints handling;
• Proactively and regularly liaise with officers from across the Council, and provide independent oversight and challenge;
• Act as the Council’s Data Protection Officer and carry out all associated duties;
• Apply sound professional judgement and advise on practical solutions to information governance and issues arising from corporate complaints;
• Ensure the Council’s arrangements for dealing with complaints, and the Council’s response to complaints, are legally compliant and reflect good practice;
• Lead and manage a team of approx. 4 officers responsible for information governance and complaints, and advise and guide officers across the Council on complaints administered within their areas as necessary;
• Act as a point of escalation for all information governance and complaints matters, including carrying out independent internal reviews of FOIA and EIR responses;
• Deliver training to managers, officers and councillors on information governance and complaints requirements;
• Assist and advise the Council’s committees, councillors and all directorates on information governance issues and complaint activity, and provide support and training as necessary.

What’s in it for you?

As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‑centred employer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:

• £59,530 - £62,869 per annum (up to £65,089 for exceptional performance once in post) (Pay award pending)
• 28 days plus bank holidays, rising by an additional week’s leave after 5 years of continuous local authority service
• Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working
• Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
• Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
• Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
• A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued
• Buying and selling of annual leave

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Women’s Network
• Early Careers Network
• Neurodiversity Network

About us

At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‑based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.

We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.

We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.

Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC

Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.

If you’re interested

Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.

If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Jamie Hollis, Assistant Director for Legal, jamie.hollis@nfdc.gov.uk or 02380 28 5654

Please note, this post is subject to a basic DBS check

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st June 2026

Interview Date: Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June 2026