Make a difference across health and social care in Dorset. Are you an experienced Information Governance, Data Protection or Assurance professional looking for an opportunity to influence how organisations work together to deliver better outcomes for residents? This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of integrated health and social care across Dorset.
The Dorset Care Record (DCR) is a key partnership that enables health and social care professionals across Dorset to access the information they need to provide safe, effective and coordinated support for residents. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated DCR Partnership Assurance Officer to lead and coordinate information governance, privacy and assurance activities across our growing partnership.
This is a unique role operating across Local Authorities, NHS organisations and wider health and social care partners, providing expert advice and assurance that supports the lawful, secure and effective sharing of information. You'll play a critical role in maintaining public trust, supporting innovation and ensuring compliance within one of Dorset's most important digital transformation programmes.
Working closely with Information Governance Leads, Caldicott Guardians, Senior Information Risk Owners, clinicians, operational colleagues and senior leaders, you'll help shape and maintain the governance framework that underpins the Dorset Care Record.
What you'll be doing
As the DCR Partnership Assurance Officer, you will:
- Act as the recognised information governance, privacy and data protection specialist across the Dorset Care Record Partnership, supporting Local Authority, NHS and wider health and social care partners.
- Lead partnership-wide compliance with Data Protection legislation, Freedom of Information requirements and Information Governance standards.
- Develop, review and maintain Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs), Records of Processing Activities and other governance documentation to support consistent approaches across partner organisations.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on complex information governance matters, data sharing arrangements and disclosure decisions across the Partnership.
- Lead and coordinate investigations into data incidents, complaints and breaches, working collaboratively with partner organisations to ensure lessons learned are shared and improvements are implemented.
- Coordinate audits, assurance activities and compliance reviews across the Dorset Care Record Partnership, providing assurance that agreed controls and standards are being applied consistently.
- Build strong relationships with Information Governance Leads, Caldicott Guardians, Senior Information Risk Owners and key stakeholders across partner organisations.
- Deliver training, awareness and guidance to promote a strong and consistent culture of information governance and data protection throughout the Partnership.
- Support the ongoing development of the Dorset Care Record by embedding privacy by design and information governance best practice across partnership programmes, projects and operational services.
- Advise on lawful and proportionate information sharing arrangements that enable effective partnership working while protecting the privacy rights of Dorset residents.
- Respond to urgent and sensitive requests relating to safeguarding, emergency access and information sharing requirements, working closely with clinicians and governance leads across the Partnership.
- Represent the Dorset Care Record Partnership at local, regional and national forums, promoting best practice and supporting the continued development of integrated health and social care services.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines excellent technical knowledge with strong relationship-building and influencing skills. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Significant experience applying Data Protection and Information Governance legislation within complex organisations.
- Experience working within, or closely alongside, both Local Authority and NHS organisations, with an understanding of their differing governance, operational and regulatory requirements.
- Experience of managing information governance incidents, investigations and data breaches.
- Experience of handling Subject Access Requests and complex information requests within statutory timescales.
- Strong knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, Freedom of Information legislation and information sharing frameworks.
- Experience developing and reviewing governance documentation, including DPIAs and Data Sharing Agreements.
- Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to influence and challenge constructively at all levels of an organisation.
- Experience undertaking audits, assurance reviews and compliance assessments.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently and exercise sound professional judgement.
A degree-level qualification, or equivalent experience within a relevant discipline, is essential. Relevant Information Governance, Data Protection or Project Management qualifications would be advantageous.
Why join us?
You'll play a key role in enabling organisations to work together safely and effectively while protecting the rights and privacy of Dorset residents. No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to influence partnership-wide approaches to information governance, privacy and assurance.
You'll join a collaborative and supportive team environment focused on delivering real benefits for local people through innovation, partnership working and continuous improvement.