About the Company
Go-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport operator providing bus and rail services across the UK and internationally. We play an important role in connecting communities and helping people travel safely and sustainably every day.
About the Role
Go-Ahead Group is seeking a Privacy Analyst to join our Data Protection team at 55 Degrees North, Newcastle. This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in privacy and data protection within one of the UK’s largest public transport groups. You will support the Group’s data protection function — helping manage the public-facing data protection mailbox, handling Subject Access Requests (SARs), assisting with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and data incidents, and contributing to a range of proactive compliance initiatives. Full guidance and training will be provided, making this an ideal role for someone looking to develop specialist expertise in data protection and privacy.
Responsibilities
- Data Mapping & Records Management
- Work with Data Protection Managers, IT, Procurement and business teams to help identify and record all personal data processing activity across the Group and third-party processors.
- Maintain accurate Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), data inventories and associated records of requests.
- Use Microsoft 365 (including Purview) to help identify and classify data within the Group’s Microsoft environment (training provided; prior experience with data protection tools is not required).
- Assist with data protection audits of business areas and processes.
- Subject Access Requests & Incidents
- Support the Data Protection Managers with SARs — including data locating, retrieval, review, redaction and disclosure — as well as DPIAs and data breach incidents, ensuring all are handled in line with legal and organisational standards.
- Mailbox & Stakeholder Support
- Respond promptly and professionally to enquiries, requests or complaints received via the Data Protection mailbox; support the Data Protection Officer and wider team with compliance and accountability obligations.
- Information Security & Compliance
- Work with Information Security colleagues to support data protection and data loss prevention initiatives; contribute to awareness activities and help improve the Group’s overall compliance posture.
Qualifications
- A minimum of three A-levels or equivalent qualification (e.g. college diploma).
- Some exposure to data protection, compliance, legal or risk-related work is desirable.
- Data protection qualification, or a willingness to work towards one (support will be provided).
Required Skills
- Confidence using IT systems, particularly Microsoft 365; familiarity with data classification or information governance tools is a bonus.
- Strong attention to detail and a careful, methodical approach to handling sensitive information, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally at all levels.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with a genuine interest in privacy, information governance or compliance.
Preferred Skills
- Motivated, reliable and keen to develop within a data protection environment.
- Well-organised, dedicated to continuous improvement, and able to manage competing priorities with care and precision.
- A collaborative team player who communicates openly and builds good working relationships with colleagues across the Group.
- An interest in privacy and information governance is important — curiosity and a desire to learn are just as valued as existing knowledge.
Pay range and compensation package
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, financial, and emotional support.
- Flexible working to balance your needs (reduced hours applications will be considered, however 5 days in the office is a requirement).
- 25 days holiday, pension, life Assurance travel pass, buy and sell holiday up to 5 days, Discount platform.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce where all our people feel valued, supported and able to succeed. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): age, race, religion or belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws. We will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you require adjustments to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know at tom.white@go-ahead.com.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply today and start a rewarding career with Go-Ahead Group – keeping our communities moving.
…