Data Access Officer

We are looking for a Data Access Officer to join our vibrant team! The successful candidate will be responsible for processing Data Subject Requests, coordinating Freedom of Information requests, and providing support and training across our academies. This role is crucial in ensuring LAT's adherence to data protection regulations and facilitating the accurate and timely delivery of requests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Data Subject Requests and third-party requests in line with LAT processes, GDPR, and UK Data Protection legislation.
• Ensure full consideration of Subject Access Requests, applying necessary redactions/exemptions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate and appropriate redactions/exemptions.
• Conduct quality assurance of completed requests, ensuring timely delivery.
• Assist the Local Data Protection Officer (LDO) in data collation for SAR and support with FOI requests.
• Provide training to Local Data Officers on legislation and LAT procedures.
• Address queries and liaise with the Data Compliance Manager regarding complaints.
• Respond to and resolve data quality issues, ensuring data subject rights are met.
• Perform ad hoc administrative tasks associated with the role.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Appreciation of data protection/privacy issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritise effectively, organise own workload, and use initiative.
• Discretion to handle sensitive personal data ensuring appropriate information handling.
• Excellent ICT skills with good working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Desirable:

• Good working knowledge of GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, and associated processes and procedures.
• Experience of regulatory compliance within a commercial environment.

The working basis of the role is 37 hours per week throughout the full year; Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st April 2024, our Trust comprises 32 geographically organised academies (16 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing 3,000 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Our future plans are found in our Vision 2030 document available on our website.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust, you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the benefits available to all LAT employees from day one. 

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Recruitment Guidance. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.