Trainee Information Governance Officer – Veritau’s graduate stories
1 July 2022
Veritau has run a successful graduate training scheme for many years. We’re asking some of our trainees what attracted them to the scheme, how they have found it, and what they have learnt.
We spoke to Callum, who is in the second year of his trainee programme
He joined Veritau in 2020 as a Trainee Information Governance Officer, after graduating with a Human Geography degree from York St John University.
“During my degree, I became interested in working in the public sector. I was attracted to Veritau as they provide the opportunity to train for a professional career in this area.
As a trainee, my caseload allows me to interact with a diverse range of public sector bodies every week.”
We work with several departments within our councils, and also the wider range of organisations our clients work with. This can include:
- Central government departments
- The NHS
- Police forces
This has given Callum a real insight into public sector operations and the challenges each area faces.
“As a graduate, I was seeking an opportunity to continue studying and learning whilst working ‘on the job’. Veritau’s traineeship provides just that!”
The trainee programme
Veritau’s graduate trainee programme takes two years and alongside your work, trainees undertake a number of professional qualifications. These underpin your working knowledge in the field of information governance, which can be applied to the wide variety of client work.
“Veritau support their trainees to manage their study and examinations alongside their workload in the form of paid study leave, and colleagues who act as mentors to provide advice and assistance.”
What skills do you use from your degree?
“Prior to joining Veritau, I didn’t have any specific knowledge in the field of data protection or information governance.
However I had developed a strong skill set throughout my degree which I continue to develop and apply to my work as a trainee. This includes things like research, writing, and analytical skills.
I also continue to draw upon the presentation skills I developed at university which I now use to deliver data protection workshops to schools and academies, and local government clients.”
Professional development – specialising in information governance
Callum says trainees are given a good amount of responsibility and independence to manage their own workload.
“In this role, you work very closely with data protection legislation and so you need to continue to grow your working knowledge of the law and apply this to your work with clients.
Trainees lead on their own cases and projects meaning you see your cases through to the end as you work to achieve the desired outcome. Of course, experienced and senior officers are always around to support you!”
In addition to the training and development plan and professional qualifications, Veritau provides further opportunities for their trainees to grow.
Callum recently attended the Information Records Management Society (IRMS) conference in Glasgow.
“As a trainee, I was able to learn from some really interesting and insightful talks and workshops as well as time spent networking with industry professionals.”
What’s your favourite part of the job?
“As a trainee, you will undertake various areas of information governance work – no two days are the same!
My favourite area of work is investigating personal data breaches. As a trainee, you carry out investigations, support clients to manage breaches to minimise impact and, depending on the severity of the incident, liaise with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
You will also help organisations to implement measures to prevent future reoccurrence. I have conducted a number of complex information security investigations for a variety of public sector clients.
Not only has this developed my knowledge and experience in this area but also my confidence to move from largely supported investigations to leading on my own cases independently.”
We’re recruiting
Veritau is currently recruiting trainees across three key areas of the business, including information governance. Download the job pack below, or visit our careers page to find out more and apply.
Download Trainee Information Governance Officer job pack
Download the job description and person specification for our Trainee Information Governance Officer vacancy
