Data Protection & Information Governance Officer

Data Protection & Information Governance Officer

Grade VI (Clerical)

(Full‑time | Permanent)

Salary: The 7-point salary scale for the post as of 01/08/2025:

€57,325, €58,691, €60,359, €63,491, €65,363, €67,695, €70,034 LSIs

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

About the Role

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for ensuring that the organisation processes personal data of service users, families, volunteers and employees in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation. The DPO provides independent oversight, expert advice and monitoring of data protection obligations across all services delivered by the organisation.

We are seeking a motivated and capable individual with strong analytical, communication, and relationship‑building skills to join our team as a Data Protection Officer. This role is ideal for an experienced professional with demonstrated strengths in critical thinking, cultural understanding, decision making, and problem solving.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring organisational compliance with FOI, Data Protection, and best practice records management, while supporting staff and managers in meeting their obligations. A willingness to undertake training in FOI and Data Protection is essential.

Essential Criteria:

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition have:

• A degree in law, computer science, business management or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in data protection compliance or related field.
• Strong knowledge of data security, including IT systems, risk assessments, and incident response.
• An understanding of public sector or disability service operations and associated compliance requirements.
• Strong critical thinking, communication, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence in handling detailed administrative processes.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Interest and capacity to undertake FOI and Data Protection training.
• Ability to collaborate, influence, and support colleagues across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Training, Awareness & Advisory Support

• Provide expert guidance to management and staff on data protection and information governance practices.
• Develop and deliver training programmes to embed a culture of data privacy across residential, day, and all other services and departments.
• Act as the primary escalation point for data queries, access requests, and potential breaches.

Decision Making

• Respond to FOI and Data Protection requests in line with legislation.
• Advise on data‑sharing and processing agreements with the HSE and third‑party providers.
• Oversee governance, management, and risk management of organisational record collections.

Communication

• Draft policies, standards, and guidance on information management and sharing.
• Provide clear written decisions on records requested by the People we Support, their families, and other parties.
• Support colleagues in applying Data Protection and FOI requirements.
• Deliver Induction and Management Development training on information governance.
• Contribute to electronic records governance and system oversight.

Relationship Management & Influencing

• Promote organisational compliance with Data Protection and Freedom of Information (FOI) requirements.
• Apply detailed knowledge of information systems to support accurate and timely FOI and DSAR responses.
• Collaborate with IT and managers on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and broader information governance and risk activities.
• Work closely with IT, HR, the Executive Team, and legal advisors to ensure compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.

Administrative

• Manage and organise complex datasets across multiple formats (electronic, paper, images).
• Maintain accurate information structures across various organisational systems.
• Adhere to legislation, regulatory standards (HIQA, S.I. 367), and internal governance frameworks.
• Promote and support strong records management practices across the organisation.
• Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with information disclosure.
• Possess sufficient technical knowledge to support information governance, system accuracy, and data-handling processes.

What we offer:

• Salary in line with the HSE consolidated pay scales.
• Supervision appropriate to experience levels.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A flexible and supportive work environment.
• Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
• An opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives.

Informal enquiries may be made to Sheila O Flynn on 086 859 7759.

Application forms must be returned no later than Friday 13th of February 2026.

Applicants may be short listed on the basis of their application.

A panel may be formed from which appointments to the position of Data Protection and Information Governance Officer may be filled during the lifetime of the panel (12 months).

The Department of Health & Children Consolidated Scales apply.

Visit our website at www.horizonscork.ie