Business Support Lead & Data Protection Officer

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive individual, who enjoys working in a busy, fast-paced environment, to join us as we implement our organisational strategy, values, and culture.

Responsibilities

The Business Support Lead will provide hands-on leadership of the Business Support function, working alongside the team while coordinating work allocation, administrative systems, operational priorities, and service standards.

The postholder will take direct responsibility for key specialist areas including finance administration, quality and awarding-organisation administration, examinations, learner administration, medication oversight, and safeguarding support. The role is intended to be a working lead position, providing practical cover where required while ensuring that established responsibilities remain appropriately allocated across the team.

The postholder will also act as the organisation's Data Protection Officer, providing independent advice, monitoring compliance with data-protection requirements, supporting data protection impact assessments, and acting as a contact point for individuals and the Information Commissioner's Office.

High-risk, clinical, financial, or strategic decisions remain subject to organisational policy, delegated authority, and the appropriate named lead.

Key Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Maths and English at Level 2 (GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent).
• Level 3 Business Administration qualification, or an equivalent relevant qualification/level of senior administrative experience.
• A confident, hands-on leader who is willing to work alongside the team while maintaining clear oversight and accountability.
• Highly organised, calm, and resilient when managing competing operational and compliance priorities.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to respond quickly to changing or reactive situations and reset priorities appropriately.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential, safeguarding, financial, and personal-data matters.
• Proactive and solution-focused, with a commitment to clear ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Significant experience in a strong administrative or business-support role with responsibility for coordinating varied and time-sensitive work.
• Experience of leading, supervising, or coordinating staff and allocating work according to priorities, role ownership, and capacity.
• Experience of managing multiple deadlines, maintaining accurate records, and identifying risks, gaps, or incomplete actions.
• Strong working knowledge of office systems and digital tools, including Microsoft Office and shared information-management systems.
• Strong leadership and delegation skills, including setting expectations, monitoring progress, and addressing gaps or duplication.
• Strong customer-service skills and the ability to maintain a professional, responsive, and solution-focused service.
• Strong IT skills and confidence using digital systems, spreadsheets, shared records, and information-management tools.
• Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgement while maintaining the independence required of the Data Protection Officer function.
• Ability to remain effective under pressure and provide practical cover or resolve.