Summary
Are you an organised problem‑solver with an eye for detail? Do you want to bring your skills to a purpose‑driven company that keeps the taps flowing for millions of people? We are looking for an Apprentice Paralegal – Data Protection to join our in‑house legal team. This isn’t your average, repetitive role—it’s an exciting opportunity to learn and become the operational backbone of our department. You will get stuck into everything from environmental law to data protection, working directly with our Data Protection Officer and handling real‑world statutory requests. At South East Water, we believe in sustainable, long‑term careers. If you are a bright starter looking for a supportive environment that will genuinely invest in your development, provide clear guidance, and value your fresh perspective from day one.
Main Responsibilities
- Monitor shared inboxes and ensure all incoming legal inquiries are logged and assigned correctly.
- Provide support relating to GDPR compliance, including assisting the Data Protection Office to respond to Data Protection complaints, data breaches, DPIAs and providing data protection advice and assistance across the business.
- Provide support to consider and respond to third‑party data requests.
- Provide support on Environmental Information Requests (EIR) compliance, including supporting the end‑to‑end processing of EIR requests, identifying verbal and written inquiries, coordinating cross‑departmental data retrieval, drafting fee request letters, applying mandatory Public Interest Tests, and ensuring statutory compliance.
- Develop a deep awareness of information and resources available and proactively ensure that skills and knowledge are strengthened to enable progression.
- Take minutes at meetings as required.
- Provide general administration such as contract preparation, scanning, filing, archiving and maintaining electronic archives.
- Conduct legal research as requested.
- Maintain all legal registers as required.
- Support the completion of all administrative and legal records.
Qualifications
- Achievement of 3 A‑Levels at Grade 4/C (or equivalent) or a T‑Level in Legal Services.
- Achievement of GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C (or equivalent).
- Strong desire to progress towards a legal qualification through continuing study, learning, and attendance at relevant courses.
- Good time management skills supporting the completion of the apprenticeship.
- Self‑motivated, committed and organised with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and transferable skills and competencies to the Google suite.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- A strong basis of computer and technological skills.
- A strong eye for detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Demonstrated strong academic achievement and experience in organised administrative tasks or customer‑facing roles.
- Evidence of clear written communication and attention to detail gained through studies or work experience.
- Basic understanding of data privacy or research is desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
- Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
- Compensation package: £19,030.
Equality and Diversity
We recognise that the communities we serve are diverse. We are enthusiastic about inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all through recruitment, employment, and career progression with South East Water.
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