Data Protection, AI Governance & Freedom Of Information Business Partner

Job Title: Data Protection, AI Governance & Freedom Of Information Business Partner

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £46,135.03 (£50,806.50 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role)

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday

Location: London/Liverpool / Hybrid 

If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.

The difference you will make as Data Protection, AI Governance & Freedom Of Information Business Partner.

In this role you will be supporting the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance and the Lead Data Protection and AI Governance Business Partner in the execution of their duties. You will act as first point of contact within the Group for queries relating to data protection, freedom of information and associated legislation. Ideally in this role you will administer and manage all statutory records held by the Data Protection Team relating to data protection, freedom of information and associated legislation, including mailboxes, also you will administer all information rights requests received including retrieving data, reviewing, redacting and applying exemptions on behalf of the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance and within strict statutory deadlines.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

• Understanding of Data Protection, Freedom of Information and other associated legislation
• Good level of IT skills and literacy 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate self-motivation
• Have good analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to prioritise workload and demonstrate good organizational skills
• Be proactive in setting goals and achieving deadlines

Why Riverside?

At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives. 

We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.

Working With Us, You’Ll Enjoy:

• Competitive pay & generous pension 
• 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options available
• Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
• A wide range of benefits

Diversity And Inclusion At Riverside:

We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues. 

This role also falls under our Ethnic Diversity guaranteed interview scheme. If you are Ethnically Diverse and demonstrate you meet the minimum criteria for the role you will be guaranteed an interview.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered. 

Role Profile

Role Requires You To:

• Support the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance and the Lead Data Protection and AI Governance Business Partner in the execution of their duties
• Act as first point of contact within the Group for queries relating to data protection, freedom of information and associated legislation
• Provide practical second line advice, guidance and support to all relevant areas to the Group
• Administer and manage all statutory records held by the Data Protection Team relating to data protection, freedom of information and associated legislation, including mailboxes, 
• Administer all information rights requests received including retrieving data, reviewing, redacting and applying exemptions on behalf of the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance and within strict statutory deadlines
• Administer all FOISA (and FOIA) requests, including retrieving data, reviewing, redacting and applying exemptions on behalf of the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance and within strict statutory deadlines.
• Define and develop the FOISA process, including the ongoing development of a publication scheme pursuant to Riverside Scotland
• Champion information rights, providing clear and coherent guidance to colleagues, customers, partners and suppliers
• Provide support and guidance for the data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) process within the Group
• Support the review of relevant contracts (data processors, information sharing agreements, etc) for the Group to ensure data protection compliance. 
• Assist in the preparation of papers for the relevant committee/board meetings.
• Produce relevant management information for the Group, including breach reporting, key risk reporting and compliance with statutory timeframes
• Prepare the renewal for relevant registration/subscriptions e.g., Information Commissioners Office
• Plan, coordinate and develop regular, timely and relevant internal data privacy communications via appropriate channels.
• Support business functions in developing control frameworks that deliver compliance with the DPA and FoIA. 

Ai Governance

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the groups AI governance framework and best practices across the Group
• Maintain up-to-date records of all AI systems, projects, models, and third-party engagements across the Group
• Support the documentation and cataloguing processes for AI initiatives, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Advise on appropriate organisational controls to support AI governance, including the use of designated tools and technologies.
• Advise on potential reputational, cultural, economic, legal, and regulatory risks associated with AI systems and applications.
• Participate in AI risk classification, assessment, and mitigation activities as directed by the Head of AI Governance/Lead Business Partner
• Conduct due diligence and risk evaluations for AI initiatives involving external vendors or partners.
• Assist in the completion of regular reports and dashboards on AI compliance, risks, and performance metrics for leadership review.
• Assist in developing and delivering training programs on AI ethics, governance, risk, and compliance to internal stakeholders.
• Promote awareness of responsible AI practices across the Group
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support responsible AI practices and knowledge sharing.

Cross Team Working

• Assist in driving cohesion between the DP & AI Governance team and other functions in the Group Information Governance function 
• Support the Group Head of Data Protection, Transparency and AI Governance to ensure that the team acts as a true second line of defense.
• Ensure excellent service for all colleagues and customers when providing advice, support and lessons learnt

Other

• Role model, champion and embed Our Riverside Way and ways of working, collaborating with colleagues across the business to achieve the Riverside aspired culture. 
• Assist in maintaining the register of processing activity for the Group 
• Provide input into the testing of business functions compliance with Policy and processes –thematic reviews, conformance and assurance programs and audit.
• Promote continuous improvement in compliance with all DP, FoIA and compliance matters. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues who have other Information Governance responsibilities.

Other Information

• The Group has offices across the UK and on this basis, there will be the requirement to travel to other locations to effectively perform this role. 
• The role will be exposed to sensitive information; therefore, the role holder is expected to maintain levels of confidentiality at all times.
• To fulfil the requirements of this role, you will be required to work flexibly during the hours of operation. 
• The role holder is expected to be committed to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken.

Person Specification

Essential

• Understanding of Data Protection, Freedom of Information and other associated legislation
• Good level of IT skills and literacy 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate self-motivation
• Have good analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to prioritise workload and demonstrate good organizational skills
• Be proactive in setting goals and achieving deadlines

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of working within a highly regulated customer focused sector.

Riverside is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit social housing and regeneration organisations, owning or managing around 75,000 homes from Irvine to Kent. We are a leading provider of supported housing services, particularly for those affected by homelessness, and our track record of transforming lives and revitalising neighbourhoods dates back over 90 years. We have plans to build over 15,000 affordable homes over the next decade.

Our Values and Behaviours

Creating an Inclusive Environment