The Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) is a board-level executive accountable for managing information risk within an organisation, particularly in the public sector. The SIRO ensures that data — especially personal and sensitive information — is handled securely, responsibly, and in compliance with legal requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
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Developing and maintaining an information risk management framework
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Championing a culture of information security across departments
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Ensuring that risks are properly identified, assessed, and mitigated
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Reporting significant risks to the organisation’s board or governing body
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Supporting the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Information Governance (IG) teams in compliance efforts
The SIRO bridges the gap between executive leadership and operational data protection functions, ensuring that information governance remains a strategic priority.
