Ardonagh Specialty
Data Protection Officer
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Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officer
Location: London/Hybrid (Typically 2/3 days in the office)
Type: Full-time – Permanent (Flexible working options such as job share or reduced hours encouraged—do get in touch if interested)
About Ardonagh Specialty
At Ardonagh Specialty, we offer more than just a workplace—we foster skill development and knowledge within a culture that values diversity and celebrates employee excellence. As part of The Ardonagh Group, we thrive on innovation, encouraging career flexibility and cross-team collaboration across our dynamic business.
Our work environment is engaging, with hybrid flexibility, ensuring work-life balance while supporting your professional growth. If you’re eager to join a forward-thinking organisation with a supportive culture, this role may be for you.
Why Join Us?
We provide a strong employer culture with:
- Learning & career development: Apprenticeships, study support, and participation in the Spotlight Awards and Community Trust programmes.
- Inclusivity & wellbeing: Office socials, sports teams, and group events.
- Supportive benefits:
- Wellbeing programmes
- Discounts on shopping, gyms, dining, and healthcare cash plans
- Pension contribution (10%, matching your 5%)
- Life assurance (X4 of base salary)
- Private medical insurance
- Group income protection
- Generous annual leave
- Annual bonus scheme
About the Role: Data Protection Officer
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) ensures Ardonagh Specialty meets UK GDPR and data protection statutory obligations, while providing independent oversight on privacy risks across key areas including underwriting, claims, data-driven growth, and emerging technologies such as AI.
Key Accountabilities
1. Regulatory Governance & Statutory Oversight
- Serve as the statutory DPO under Articles 37–39 UK GDPR, ensuring full organisational independence.
- Inform and advise the organisation on UK GDPR, 2018 Data Protection Act, and new regulations (e.g., Data Use and Access Act – DUAA).
- Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and ensure compliance with Privacy by Design principles.
- Lead Sub-process Records (ROPAs), data mapping, and validation across MGAs, TPAs, reinsurers, and brokers.
- Act as the primary ICO and subject access compliance escalation point, ensuring right-to-access handling meets compliance, consistency, and promptness requirements.
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2. Strategic Risk Management & Technical Oversight
- Independently review and challenge the GDPR risk remediation programme, documenting closures across operations.
- Assess AI impact assessments, cloud processing risks, and privacy-enhancing technology (PET) deployments.
- Govern international data transfers with Transfers Risk Assessments (TRAs) aligned with Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and evolving regulations.
3. AI & Privacy Integration
- Collaborate with AML and Consumer Duty teams to ensure data integrity and responsibility.
- Partner with CISO to embed privacy in incident response frameworks.
- Advise on privacy implications of AI systems, ensuring compliance with Article 22 safeguards, data minimisation, and PET use.
Essential Experience & Knowledge
- 5+ years of data protection leadership in financial services/insurance, including:
- Managing multi-entity data governance programmes
- Working with third-party intermediaries, MGAs, TPA, and reinsurance partners
- Implementing DPIAs and Privacy by Design in cloud-native and AI environments
- Deep UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 expertise
- Proficiency in FCA frameworks, including SM&CR compliance
- Knowledge of data standards (e.g. Solvency II Article 82) and insurance sector regulations
- Strong grasp of dataSubject consumer risk and harm assessment
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Preferred Qualifications
- An industry-recognised certification such as:
- BCS Foundation in Data Protection
- CIPP/E Professional (IAPP)
- Certified Data Protection Practitioner – GDPR
- Legal & technical background, with actuarial science/security architecture versatility highly desirable.
Person Specification
Your role requires the highest ethical standards and resilience when handling sensitive consumer data, particularly within AI-driven processes. You must:
- Provide independent compliance challenge to senior leadership, escalating risks to SMF, Risk Committees, and the Board if necessary.
- Apply deep ethical judgment in resolving AI-related privacy dilemmas.
(Note: We prioritise talent—your experience may align differently—any gaps? Apply anyway!)
Diversity & Inclusivity at Ardonagh
We value diverse perspectives, embracing applicants from all backgrounds. Adjustments for interviews are accommodated—contact our Talent team if required.
Interview & Recruitment Process
- Application & Call: Submit CV; engage in a skill-focused discussion.
- Interview Stage: 1-hour virtual or in-person discussion with the Hiring Manager and selected team members.
- Second Interview (if applied): Likely with additional stakeholders (feedback/offers follow swiftly).
Background checks (employment history, credit, criminal record) will be conducted post offer.
Note to Recruiters & Agencies
We only accept unsolicited CVs from pre-signed agency agreements or written requests. No fees for undirected submissions.
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