Data Protection Apprentice

Role Overview

As a Data Protection Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience and develop a strong foundation in data protection principles and practices. You will work closely with our Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Information Governance team to ensure compliance with data protection and information rights laws and regulations, including, but not limited to the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulation 2003.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with Data Protection Compliance:

• Support the DPO in ensuring compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations.
• Support senior management by contributing to the development of policies and guidance to ensure the organisation complies with its statutory and regulatory information governance (IG) and data protection (DP) responsibilities
• Assist in conducting data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) and identifying potential risks.

Data Handling and Management:

• Aid in the classification, handling, and management of data in accordance with organisational policies.
• Support the monitoring and auditing of data practices to ensure compliance.
• Undertake routine and ad-hoc data protection audits and testing controls for both internal functions and third-party suppliers, producing audit reports for senior managers.

Training and Awareness:

• Develop and deliver inhouse information governance (IG) and data protection (DP) training and awareness packages for all internal stakeholders such as Operations, IT, legal, HR, marketing, senior management, and the board of directors.
• Assist in the development and delivery of data protection training and awareness programs for staff.

Incident Management:

• Support the management and investigation of data protection incidents and breaches.
• Investigate reported personal data breaches, providing advice and guidance to the organisation and determining the need to escalate as appropriate to the Supervisory Authority.

Documentation and Record-keeping:

• Coordinate and support the organisation’s formal and documented record of processing activities in line with legislation, regulation, and good practice.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work with internal stakeholders to review and maintain retention schedules, providing specialist support, advice, and guidance to ensure appropriate disposal of data in compliance with legislation, regulation, and good practice.
• Provide day-to-day support and specialist advice across the organisation for all matters regarding IG and DP such as compliance with data protection principles.
• Provide support for the completion and submission of industry or regulatory toolkits and control frameworks or standards.

Performance and Improvement:

• Analyse data and present outcomes to key stakeholders on key risks, trends, and performance indicators such as training, information requests, data breaches, and records management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems and processes to ensure procedures, policies, and guidance are updated in line with technology advancements, legislative and social changes.

Information Requests:

Manage, coordinate, and respond to information requests, where appropriate, such as Freedom of Information (FOI), Individual Rights (IR), Environmental Information Regulation (EIR), and Data Protection (DP) within statutory deadlines.

Skills and Experience

• Strong interest in data protection, privacy, and information governance.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable experience

• Experience in a data protection or information governance role is a plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with GDPR and other data protection and information rights laws is advantageous.

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU

To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities.