The Medical Council is looking to recruit a Head of Information Governance (Assistant Principal Grade) for a one-year specify purpose fixed term contract to lead the Information Governance team in the Medical Council. The Council's Data Protection Officer (DPO), Information Governance Manager and FOI Officer will report to the role holder who in turn reports to the Executive Director Strategic & Corporate Affairs.
The Information Governance team's objective is to ensure that the highest standards of information governance are embedded across the Medical Council. The team has responsibility for:
Driving best practice in data protection across the Medical Council;
Managing all requests received under the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018;
Carrying out Data Protection Impact Assessments;
Management of data breaches and data incidents;
Providing expert advice in relation to data protection matters including contractual arrangements and Data Sharing Agreements;
Driving best practice in Freedom of Information practice across the Medical Council;
Managing all access requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2014;
Managing all access requests under the Public Sector (Reuse of Public Sector Information) Regulations 2021;
Participating in cross-functional projects; and
Reporting key information governance trends in the Medical Council to the Executive Leadership team and the Council.
This is a busy team dealing with complex information governance issues and plays a key role in the compliance framework of the Medical Council.
We are now seeking a highly experienced information governance professional to develop and lead the team and to embed the highest standards of information governance across our regulatory and corporate processes and procedures. The successful candidate will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for supporting organisational performance.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategically ensuring that an organisation's information assets are managed responsibly, securely, and in compliance with internal policies and external regulations
Developing and directing an information governance improvement framework across the Medical Council, ensuring that system-wide monitoring, assessment and management arrangements are in place across the organisation;
Influencing the Executive Leadership Team, the Council and the executive to embrace best practice information governance across all processes and procedures;
Provide cross organisational training in information governance;
Work strategically across all levels of the organisation to enhance information governance practices;
Oversight of liaison with external stakeholders such as the Data Protection Commission and the Office of the Information Commissioner;
Development of KPIs for the Information Governance team;
People management
Ensuring that information governance is fully embedded in all change projects across the organisation;
Development of formal management information reporting on behalf of the Information Governance team;
Development of template documentation and SOPs for Data Protection Impact Assessments;
Development of template documentation for Information Governance team across all areas of responsibility;
Oversight of delivery of outputs by the Information Governance team in accordance with the business plan; and
Provide assurance to the Council (Board) in respect of information governance safeguards in place.
Take a leading role in the management of risk within the Medical Council - identifying, assessing, monitoring, and addressing risks.
Essential Criteria:
A Third Level Honours Degree Qualification or Equivalent in public administration, law or a related discipline, ideally with a specific focus on information governance and/or statutory compliance requirements of public bodies and a minimum of four years previous relevant experience at management level, working in the areas of information governance and/or statutory compliance OR at least six years' experience at management level, working in the areas of information governance and/or statutory compliance, preferably within a public body
Experience of giving cogent and engaging oral presentations
Significant experience of designing and implementing information governance process improvement projects
Deep knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Irish Data Protection legislation, Irish Freedom of Information legislation, regulatory requirements, best practice and case law
Essential Characteristics:
Advanced reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Able confidently navigate ambiguity and change
Strong communication and influencing skills
Proven ability to interpret and make accessible complex ideas and data
Evidenced ability to write clear and concise reports for a variety of audiences
Ability to interpret new legislation / policy / regulation
Ability to think critically and seek creative solutions
Proven ability to network & collaborate with diverse stakeholders and build effective partnerships and alliances
Details of this Appointment:
Position Type: This appointment will be offered on a full-time fixed term basis. A 6-Month probationary period applies to this appointment.
Salary: Starting salary will be at €81,475, which is the first point of the Assistant Principal Officer PayScale.
If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the PayScale may be higher based on your current salary.
The rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.
Assistant Principal PayScale
€81,475 €84,475 €87,518 €90,569 €93,617 €95,375
€98,4491(LS1 After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum)
€101,5352 (LS2 After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum)
Annual Leave: 30 working days plus public holidays
Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri.
Location: The Medical Council's offices are located at Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2. We operate a hybrid working model with both remote working and a current requirement for on-site attendance two day per week.
Pension: The Medical Council offers a pension through the Public Sector Scheme. Contributions to the scheme will commence on joining the organisation. Candidates currently working in the Public or Civil Service may transfer their pension.
Rewards/ Benefits:
Dedicated Wellbeing Group and Wellbeing Initiatives, Employee Assistance Programme, and Wellbeing App, Training and Development, Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, TaxSaver Travel Tickets, Bike to Work Scheme, Subsidised Flu Jabs, Paid Exam Leave & Study Leave, Income Continuance Scheme, Civil Service Credit Union,
Apply by: 6th February 2026
Expected Interview Date: W/C 16th February 2026