Head of Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints

Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham or Bristol, LS1 4AP
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £71825.00 - £86685.00
Working Hours: 35
Job Category: Legal
12/10/2025 - 1 day remaining

Job Introduction

We are currently looking for a new Head of Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints (DPIAC) to join us in a varied key role at the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).  

With a career at RSH you’ll be joining an organisation that gives you the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, regulating a sector that houses 4 million people across England.


Job Description:
As the Head of Data Protection, Information Access and Complaints, you will act as our designated Data Protection Officer, managing a dedicated data protection team, to ensure that RSH meet our obligations under GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and any other related data protection or information access legislation.

You will act as a key point of contact for information and advice around data protection and information access and will inform and advise on RSH’s data protection policies and systems, information access and document retention, ensuring they are kept up to date. You will also take responsibility for the regulator’s external complaints process. 


Responsibilities:
As the successful candidate, you will have expert knowledge of relevant law relating to data protection and information access, including around confidentiality, equalities and discrimination. You will be self-motivated and approachable with excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to effectively influence others to ensure best practice across the organisation.  You will also have good leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a small team.


General Information: 

Why work at RSH?
 At RSH, we offer a fantastic range of benefits including a 35 hour working week, 33 days annual leave and access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme.

Our staff survey results consistently show that our staff think that the best thing about working at the RSH is our flexible and hybrid working, along with our family friendly policies that support work-life balance. 

We also offer access to our staff discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, a Nuffield Health Screening; and a range of other well-being focussed benefits. Full information on this and our other fantastic benefits is available on our website.


Location
We operate a hybrid model of working with a mix of office and home working, as well as offering a range of flexible working arrangements.

This role can be based out of any of RSH’s core offices in Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. Our Manchester and Bristol offices will be relocating during 2025/26, however will remain within the city centre. Most roles involve some travel within England between our offices, with some roles also involving onsite visits to social housing providers.


Interviews
Interviews are expected to take place in early November and will be held via Microsoft Teams. We expect this to be a two stage interview process.


Benefits and Salary
At RSH, we offer a competitive salary along with a range of excellent benefits; full information is available on our website.

The salary for this role is a spot salary within the given range, which will normally be the minimum of the range. There is no incremental progression through a pay scale. Annual salary reviews are determined by the government pay award.


Things you need to know
Application process 
For more information on the role, please see the attached Role Profile. 

To apply, please complete the online application form on the RSH careers site detailing your experience. We will also ask you to provide a supporting statement or to answer specific role related questions, detailing how you meet the criteria of the role, which will be used in assessing your application. Guidance on the application process is available on our website.

Candidates must have valid right to work in the UK, as unfortunately we are unable to provide sponsorship and must also meet the requirements outlined in the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Please see our website for more information. 


Commitment to equality and diversity
Our anonymous shortlisting process helps to ensure fair and consistent recruitment decisions, based solely on skills and experience. 

We are a Disability Confident Employer and shortlist those who best meet the minimum criteria as part of our commitment. 

We are passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued and respected and has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities and life experiences, recognising that varied perspectives enrich our organisation.

Attached documents:

Overview

Number of Positions
1

Contract Type
Permanent

Working Hours
35

Salary
£71825.00 - £86685.00

Job Category
Legal

Location
Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham or Bristol

Reference
0433