Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Specialist

Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Specialist

Location: Birmingham / Euston - Hybrid Working

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Contract: Full Time - 5 month FTC

About the Role

At Avanti West Coast, we are committed to protecting personal data and ensuring individuals can exercise their data protection rights effectively. We are looking for a knowledgeable and detail-oriented DSAR Specialist to join our team and manage the end-to-end handling of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and other data subject rights requests.

This is a specialist role with particular responsibility for complex employee-related cases. You will lead on requests connected to disciplinary investigations, grievances, whistleblowing matters, HR case files, CCTV and body-worn video footage, and cases arising from Employment Tribunal claims, solicitor correspondence, or Letters Before Action.

Working closely with the Data Protection Officer (DPO), HR, Employee Relations, Legal teams, and external solicitors where required, you will provide expert guidance and ensure requests are handled lawfully, proportionately, and within statutory deadlines.

What You'll Be Doing

As our DSAR Specialist, you will:

• Manage a caseload of Subject Access Requests and other data subject rights requests from receipt through to completion, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.
• Lead on complex employee-related SARs involving disciplinary investigations, grievances, bullying and harassment complaints, whistleblowing disclosures, and repeat or contentious requests.
• Conduct proportionate and comprehensive searches across HR systems, email platforms, shared drives, CCTV and body-worn video systems, and third-party platforms.
• Apply Data Protection Act 2018 exemptions accurately and consistently, documenting decisions and rationale.
• Review, assess, and redact sensitive documents including investigation reports, witness statements, disciplinary records, and hearing bundles.
• Manage disclosure involving third-party information, balancing access rights with confidentiality obligations and safeguarding considerations.
• Coordinate the identification, retrieval, review, and disclosure of CCTV and body-worn video footage.
• Prepare clear, professional, and legally robust response letters and disclosure schedules.
• Work collaboratively with Legal teams and external solicitors on cases involving litigation, Employment Tribunals, and pre-action correspondence.
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or novel data protection issues to the Data Protection Officer.
• Maintain accurate records, audit trails, and compliance documentation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of SAR processes, guidance, templates, and training materials.
• Keep up to date with data protection legislation, ICO guidance, case law, and industry developments.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Experience handling Subject Access Requests or other data subject rights requests under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Strong understanding of DPA 2018 exemptions and third-party data considerations.
• Experience reviewing and redacting highly sensitive documentation, ideally including HR investigation or disciplinary records.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and legally defensible correspondence.
• Sound judgement and the confidence to make balanced decisions in complex or sensitive cases.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across HR, Employee Relations, Legal, IT, and operational teams.
• High levels of discretion, professionalism, and integrity when handling confidential information.

Desirable

• Experience managing CCTV or body-worn video disclosures.
• Experience working alongside external solicitors in relation to SARs, Employment Tribunals, or pre-action correspondence.
• A recognised data protection qualification, such as BCS Certificate/Practitioner in Data Protection, IAPP CIPP/E, or equivalent.
• Experience within the rail, transport, or another regulated or safety-critical industry.

Why Join Avanti West Coast?

As well as working with a fantastic team you will also receive:

• Railway Pension Scheme
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us outstanding! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are encouraged, recognised, accepted and put to good use.

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