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 9-month, full-time, fixed term contract and includes
- 6-month earn-as-you-learn modular programme
- IAPP industry recognised CIPP/E and CIPM exam fee
- 3-month shadowing period with practical client experience.
You must have a passion for data protection and the dedication to complete a rigorous academic course. At the end of the programme, successful Trainees could be selected to apply for a Junior DPO role with The DPO Centre’s #ONETEAM.
Compensation & benefits
- £25,000 per annum subject to skills and experience
- Pension scheme, subject to auto-enrolment eligibility
- 19 days annual leave plus bank holidays**
**Out of these 19 days, 17 will be designated as mandatory leave during specified break periods within the course lifecycle, and 2 days can be taken flexibly outside of term dates during the 9-month contract.
Why join the academy?
The DPO Centre DPO Academy is the UK’s only data protection professional training school that combines academic study with real client exposure. A rewarding and immersive course with a mixture of online and in-person learning. We also understand the financial burden of professional training, which is why we have created a unique earn-as-you learn course.
Throughout the programme, Trainee DPOs can connect with experienced professionals from one of the largest teams of Data Protection Officers available.
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.
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.
Expecttions
Data protection legislation is continuously evolving and there is an increasing need for qualified professionals. The DPO Academy aims to provide the most comprehensive vocational training for the next generation of Data Protection Officers.
Our programme is carefully curated by experienced Data Protection Officers, providing the depth of knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in a commercial environment.
During the 6-month learning period, you will be expected to:
- Attend at least 95% of the fortnightly onsite/face-to-face learning days in Leicester and the fortnightly remote learning days
- Attend and complete tutorials, both online and face-to-face within deadlines
- Complete individual and group assignments within the set deadlines
- Pass the CIPP/E and CIPM certified information privacy professional exams
The 3-month work placement will require you to create a work portfolio to evidence various data protection related tasks, including Privacy Notices, RoPAs, DPIAs, LIAs etc. You will also be required to provide support for:
- Reports and information summaries
- Data protection policies, assessments and documentation
- Staff training
- 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:
- Able to work independently and collaboratively with a team
- Organised, with a strong commercial attitude to time management
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Self-awareness and resilience when dealing with conflict or challenging situation
Key skills:
- Fluent in both written and spoken English
- Basic knowledge of the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act (2018)
- Ability to think logically, analytically and strategically
- Confident with Microsoft Office applications
Desired skills:
- Experience with Scoro or similar time management tools
- Experience working within professional services
- Can use persuasion to direct the best action, not just the simplest
Additional requirements:
- You need to live within commuting distance of Leicester to attend inset days
- You need a safe and secure working space for remote sessions and to complete assignments and coursework
- You must have a personal laptop/computer to access the course material over a secure internet connection
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 800 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.
