Business Support Lead & Data Protection Officer

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.

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.

Key qualification, 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

We offer a competitive salary package, a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

Additional information

Closing date of application 4th September 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 14th September 2026 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

Step into Learning are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects their employees to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community, and we offer a range of benefits to encourage a work life balance.