Data Protection Officer

Job Description

Salary: £40,317 - £45,933 per annum Grade E 12 months - Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) - to end on 30 09 2027 37 Hours per Week
The post holder will be responsible for assisting with the delivery of the Information Governance work programme at Thurrock and to those organisations who Thurrock have a trading agreement with. 
The post holder will play a key role in ensuring that legislation that relates to information governance and data protection are adhered to. 
The council are looking for someone who has experience of working with the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.  You must also have a good understanding of Information Security issues along with experience of applying records management best practice in the day-to-day office environment.  Key experience and skills required:

• Excellent communication skills to engage effectively at all levels throughout the organisation are essential. 
• Good IT Skills that will be called upon on a regular basis to assist with projects and general day-day tasks.  
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to manage and meet tight deadlines.
• 1 years practical work experience of processing Data Protection and Freedom of Information requests.

A Basic level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required.

Advert Closing Date

• Redeployment Only:  3rd September 2026
• Internal & External: 20th September 2026 

Interview Date: w/c 21/9/26
If you wish to obtain further information about this vacancy please contact Rachael Steel via Email ([email removed]) or for Internal Candidates via Teams. To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
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About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. 

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council