Day in the Life – Charlotte Harper
Vital Stats
Job title: Data Protection Officer – Head of Data Protection
Function: LGRA
Tenure: 2 years and 3 months
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a mum of two and have a 5 year old grandson. I live in a tiny village where there are more cows then people! I have had a varied career from being a music promoter, to a barrister, to making wedding cakes and finally, to being a Data Protection Officer (DPO).
I am always happiest when I am busy, and having Lupus has always made me determined to achieve whatever I aspire to achieve.
When I am not at my desk I can normally be found walking the dogs or indulging in my passion for food and cooking.
In a nutshell, describe your role and how you support our business objectives?
As the DPO, my role is to ensure our customers data is safe and secure, as well as supporting the business in meeting its legal obligations with regards to data protection. It is certainly a diverse role, one moment we are working with different areas of the business to define their new projects, next we’re responding to customer complaints, and then we’re reporting to the regulator. Along with all of this, we are always working to improve the ways we can support customers and their requests.
What has been your career highlight?
I have had such a varied career and have had lots of career highlights. However, fundamentally for me, my career highlights have always been when team members excel and achieve their full potential – then I have done a good job!
How have you supported your personal wellbeing during the past couple of years?
I am not very good at stopping work – as anyone that knows me can verify – but I have recognised the need to stop and listen to nature. I am very lucky to live in a beautiful area on the Somerset levels where I can walk for miles straight out of my door. But my real escape is paddle boarding, and the chance to just immerse into mother nature.
When you were a child, what job did you see yourself doing?
I always wanted to be a doctor and to serve in the Army as a medic! My son is now taking after my father and has joined the army.
Give us a fun fact
I am a fully licensed close protection Security Guard having run a security company for 20 years!
