Data Protection Officer
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Part Time
Location: Horsham
Reporting To: Alexandra Gladwin
Description
Benchmark is appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to oversee and maintain the effectiveness of its data protection framework across its investment platform, financial planning businesses, and network.
This is a senior, independent role reporting to the Head of Legal, providing challenge and advice to senior stakeholders. You will ensure personal data is handled in line with UK GDPR and associated regulation, while supporting the business to manage data risk in a practical, commercial way.
This is a part-time position (3 days per week) with flexibility on working pattern.
What you’ll do
- Act as Benchmark’s appointed DPO, maintaining independence and providing oversight of data protection compliance
- Monitor and assess compliance with UK GDPR, DPA 2018, and PECR across the group
- Provide clear, risk-based advice on new initiatives, data use, and data sharing arrangements
- Oversee and approve DPIAs and LIAs, ensuring risks are identified and mitigated
- Maintain oversight of Records of Processing Activities (ROPA)
- Oversee data protection requirements across third-party and outsourcing arrangements, including international transfers
- Act as escalation point for personal data breaches, including assessment, reporting, and remediation
- Oversee processes for handling data subject rights requests
- Lead training and promote a strong, risk-aware data protection culture
- Act as the primary contact with the ICO and manage regulatory engagement
The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need
Essential
- Significant experience in data protection or privacy within a regulated environment
- Experience operating at senior level, DPO, Head of, or equivalent
- Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, and PECR
- Ability to provide independent challenge to senior stakeholders
- Clear, concise communication skills with strong written reporting capability
- Analytical and risk-focused approach with sound judgement
Desirable
- Experience within wealth management, financial advice, platforms, or AR models
- Understanding of data flows within regulated financial services distribution
- Knowledge of FCA Handbook requirements, including Consumer Duty, SYSC, and PROD
- Experience with outsourcing and operational resilience frameworks
Qualifications
- Relevant privacy qualification preferred (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent)
- Legal or compliance background beneficial but not essential
The base
You’ll be based at the Benchmark Head Office, within our Broadlands Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex but will need to be present across our other offices, including the main Schroders headquarters in London. It has high standards and international reputation, without being in the city: a big, countryside campus means life will feel a little different.
We support our offices by using cutting edge software and hardware and our spacious campus facilities mean there’s a great working environment for the team. With an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and gym, our campus has much to offer. And commuters can relax on our dedicated regular shuttle bus to and from Horsham’s main line train station.
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