Trainee Data Protection Officer (Trainee DPO)

Job title: Trainee Data Protection Officer (Trainee DPO)

Reporting to: Academy Training & Development Manager

Job location: Hybrid - Homebased with 1 day per month team day within commuting distance

Employment status: 12-month Fixed Term Contract / Full-time

Overview Of The Role

The DPO Centre DPO Academy offers a unique opportunity to apply for a role as a Trainee Data Protection Officer (Trainee DPO). You will gain professional qualifications and the necessary experience to launch a career as a certified data protection professional.

This is a 12-month, full-time, fixed term contract and includes:

1. Earn-as-you-learn modular programme
2. IAPP industry recognised CIPP/E and CIPM exam fee
3. Shadowing period with practical client experience

You must have a passion for data protection and the dedication to complete a rigorous academic programme. At the end of the programme, successful Trainees could be selected to apply for a permanent role with The DPO Centre’s #ONETEAM.

Compensation & Benefits

1. £25,000 per annum subject to skills and experience
2. Pension scheme, subject to auto-enrolment eligibility
3. 25 days annual leave pro-rated, plus bank holidays

WHY JOIN THE ACADEMY?

The DPO Centre DPO Academy offers a comprehensive vocational training programme for a career as a data protection professional. Our programme blends academic study with real client exposure, featuring:

1. Online learning
2. Hands-on training
3. Group collaboration

We also understand the financial burden of professional training, which is why we have created a unique earn-as-you-learn opportunity, allowing you to gain valuable experience without the financial stress.

Connect with experts

The DPO Centre has one of the largest teams of experienced data protection professionals available. Throughout the programme, Trainee DPOs can network with our team and gain valuable insights for career development.

Exciting career prospects

Data protection is a dynamic and constantly evolving field. Global privacy regulations are developing at a rapid pace, especially with recent advancements in AI and machine learning, which presents exciting opportunities for the next generation of privacy professionals.

Drive privacy innovation

A career in data protection is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll be at the forefront of interpreting and implementing complex privacy laws, with the chance to influence data protection practices across various businesses and organisations. In the wider sense, your work could potentially help shape new legislation in the years to come.

THE DPO ACADEMY PROGRAMME: EXPECTATIONS

Our programme has been carefully curated by experienced Data Protection Officers to provide the depth of knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in a commercial environment.

During the 12-month blended learning period, you will be expected to:

1. Complete an extensive range of academic assessments and practical activities within set deadlines
2. Pass IAPP CIPP/E and CIPM certified information privacy professional exams
3. Undertake varied work placements in different areas of the business, which will require you to create a work portfolio to evidence various data protection related tasks, including Privacy Notices, RoPAs, DPIAs, LIAs. This will also include:
4. Supporting the production of reports and briefing notes
5. Supporting the delivery of data protection policies, assessments and documentation
6. Supporting the delivery of data protection training
7. Undertaking additional delegated tasks to support business goals
8. General delegated tasks

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Trainee DPO candidate is a law/business graduate or a supporting compliance professional wanting to upskill. We’re looking for individuals with a genuine passion for data protection and an ambition to positively influence industry practices and legislation. You might have an academic or professional background in human rights law or information governance.

Key personal attributes:

1. Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team
2. Organised, with a strong commercial attitude to time management
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
4. Self-awareness and resilience when dealing with conflict or challenging situation

Key skills:

1. Fluent in both written and spoken English
2. Basic knowledge of the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act (2018)
3. Ability to think logically, analytically and strategically
4. Confident with Microsoft Office applications

Desired skills:

1. Experience with Scoro or similar time management tools
2. Experience working within professional services
3. Can use persuasion to direct the best action, not just the simplest

Additional requirements:

1. You need to attend the monthly team meetings (within commuting distance)
2. You need to attend termly Company events, held within different locations within the UK
3. You need a safe and secure working space for remote sessions and to complete assignments and coursework
4. You will need a secure internet connection to access the course materials
5. You will need to be available during term time and annual leave will need to be taken during half terms, such as October half term, Easter, Christmas etc.

About Us

The DPO Academy is part of The DPO Centre group, an international data protection compliance consultancy formed in the UK in 2017. We provide outsourced Privacy Professionals, privacy consultancy services and GDPR representation to over 1,000 organisations across a wide range of industry sectors globally.

Our senior data protection professionals regularly speak at leading keynote events across the globe, including IAPP Privacy Summits and sector specific conferences.

OUR PEOPLE

Within The DPO Centre family we have bakers, skaters, bike riders, avid readers, ultra-runners, budding photographers, keen travellers amongst others. Our team comes from all corners of the world, New Zealand, Mauritius, Mexico, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Nigeria, Canada, and Wales to name but a few.

Please see for yourself and meet everyone in our team.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To apply, click the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this page. Applications for The DPO Academy will close 23rd May 2025 and final interviews will be held in June and July 2025. The DPO Academy's next programme will commence on Monday, 15th September 2025.

Successful applications will follow our three-stage recruitment process:

1. Initial Video Interview
2. Virtual Assessment
3. Final Interview held in our Ipswich Office

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