David was a data protection and information governance apprentice at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. In this case study, he told us about his experience on the apprenticeship and how it has helped him in his role.
Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I wanted to improve my background knowledge across the whole suite of GDPR-related items to enable me to have more confidence in the advice I am giving to my fellow colleagues, conducting internal reviews of other department FOI requests, and preparing items for board meetings.
What activities do you do in your day-to-day role?
I undertake SAR and FOI/EIR requests, investigate data breaches, and plan training and items to spread and embed knowledge of GDPR amongst staff.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The sheer variety of items we work on mean it’s never dull and every case will teach you something.
How has the apprenticeship impacted on you?
The apprenticeship has given me a lot of confidence when I give advice to colleagues. It also it means I can undertake all kinds of work that comes in without needing to stop and ask for assistance.
What do you think you’ve contributed to your organisation during your apprenticeship?
I spearheaded a new Information Asset Register (IAR) in my previous department, as well as built channels of communication between different areas and teams.
How have you found working with Damar as your training provider?
Fantastic! The coaches have been fantastic, and the workshops especially were incredibly useful and really well organised.
What are your future career plans?
Just as I was coming to the end of the apprenticeship, I was actually offered a promotion to our Corporate IG team, which I wouldn’t have been able to do without the apprenticeship!