Head of Information Governance

We’re looking for a Head of Information Governance to lead a small and friendly team. The Information Governance team sits within the Office of the Chief Executive Directorate alongside the following functions: Legal, Governance and PMO, Communications, the Chief Economist’s Unit, and our Executive Office, Board Secretariat and PAs. Each of these teams serves a cross-cutting function within Ofwat.

The team is responsible for:

• Information Governance Management
• Data protection and GDPR compliance generally
• Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations responses
• Serious incident reporting for personal data breaches
• Internal reviews of our management of investigations and complaints
• Records Management, meeting our obligations under the Public Records Act

You can find out more about why you should join Ofwat, our strategy, values and our framework for success in the attached Information for Candidates Pack.

The Role

You will be responsible for the Information Governance function within Ofwat, embracing all the above functions, as well as identifying and growing the skills of the team and wider Ofwat in meeting our responsibilities under freedom of information legislation and in relation to records management. You will be responsible for shaping the approach to Information Governance across Ofwat and contributing to the development of our digital capability in relation to the capture and use of company information led by our Sector Performance team. You will play an important role in supporting the development and implementation of refreshed data policies and governance, improving our data maturity to enable successful delivery of Ofwat’s Data Strategy.

You will provide expert advice, leading necessary reviews of relevant policies and standards, driving and testing compliance with our UKGDPR and DPA requirements and ICO guidelines. You’ll have a broad portfolio of work and will take ownership of a range of specific policies and procedures, taking responsibility and accountability for their success. You’ll ensure that we’re delivering on our strategic objectives to time and to budget, and in line with our ways of working. You will also be a People Leader responsibilities for three individuals.

You’ll be expected to have good judgement and to exercise it across complex issues responsibly in line with our strategy and ways of working. You’ll be a role model for the Ofwat ways of working and be expected to provide support to colleagues across Ofwat proactively sharing skills and knowledge, and equally will be supported with coaching and mentoring. Effective stakeholder engagement will also be critical for your success.

Key Deliverables

In this role you will be expected to lead on:

Information Governance and Records Management

• Develop and implement an Information Governance strategy and associated policies/processes for Ofwat and maximise the value of Ofwat’s assets in line with this strategy;
• Lead the development of our cadre of Information Asset Owners/Coordinators to enable them to fulfil their roles and responsibilities effectively within their Directorates, including as these roles develop further to support implementation of our Digital and Data Strategies.
• Lead in reviewing and updating IG policies and operational documentation in line with legislative changes.
• Engage with Directorates to raise awareness and embed the TNA Selection Policy, retention and disposal policy, end-to-end records management life cycles, and Information Asset Registers across the business.
• Support joint projects and wider organisational development work in line with Ofwat’s data and digital strategies and open data ambitions, providing specialist advice in relation to the requirements and implications of new systems (including for our overarching data and information governance), products and services, and leading on digital preservation practice.