Data Protection Officer
| Posting date: | 03 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 05 March 2026 |
| Location: | Remote |
| Company: | National Autistic Society |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1458804312 |
Summary
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks if relevant to their role.
Join Us as a Data Protection Officer
The National Autistic Society helps create a world that works for autistic people and within our Corporate Services support the teams who champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families. We have a rewarding opportunity for a Data Protection Officer within the Assurance and Compliance team. If you share our values and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Visit our website to find out more about who we are: https://www.autism.org.uk/
About the Team
You will be working as part of a multi disciplinary team within the Assurance and Compliance Directorate. The Directorate is comprised of a group of specialist staff that supports the wider organisation and incorporates safeguarding, health and safety, incident and risk management, organisational governance etc. The Data Protection Officer role is a pivotal part of the team that will provide the specialist advice guidance and support required within the team and across the wider organisation
About the Role
As the Data Protection Officer, you’ll lead the organisation’s data protection framework, ensuring compliance with legislation, overseeing sensitive information handling, and acting as the main point of contact for regulators such as the ICO. You’ll conduct audits, strengthen policies, and provide expert guidance and training to staff, while managing the Subject Access Request process through a direct report.
What You’ll Do
- Lead all data protection activity including compliance monitoring, internal audits, policy development, and acting as the key liaison with regulatory bodies.
- Provide expert advice, training, and guidance to staff across the organisation, promoting a strong culture of data protection and safe information management.
- Oversee Subject Access Requests, maintain records of processing activities, and identify areas for improvement in data handling systems and practices.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in data protection compliance or a related field, with deep knowledge of GDPR and wider data protection legislation.
- Strong skills in audit, risk management, project management, and the ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills, confident stakeholder engagement, and strong IT capability,including Microsoft 365, databases, and reporting tools such as Power BI.
Click here for the Job Description
This role is for a full-time permanent position at 35 Hours per week.
This role is homebased.
For more information about this vacancy, contact Lesley Andrews, hiring manager, at Lesley.Andrews@nas.org.uk
What we can offer you
- Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
- Annual Leave – 33 days (including public holidays). You can buy or sell leave each year.
- Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
- Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
- Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
- Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
- Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
- Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
- Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
- Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.
About our application process
You will be required to upload your CV. If you are providing a supporting statement, please consider the following:
- Look at the job description and person specification.
- Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
- Give examples if you can.
We might close this job advert early if we get lots of suitable applications.
To protect our autistic adults & children at the National Autistic Society, some roles require employees to have a criminal background check. Possession of an Enhanced DBS Check either on the Update Service or conducted within the last 12 months would be preferable but not essential if its applicable to your role.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.
We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.
Important Information
Agencies need not apply.
Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme