Data Protection jobs in United Kingdom

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Job Description

We are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies. This is a full-time assignment covering maternity leave for approximately 12 months to October 2026.

Job Description

We are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies. This is a full-time assignment covering maternity leave for approximately 12 months to October 2026.

As a senior Data Protection specialist, you will deal with complex matters relating to personal data and manage data protection risks. You will lead the Data Protection team to provide expert advice and support across the organisation. Your work will influence decision-making at senior levels and support the Environment Agency’s legal obligations and business objectives.

You will work autonomously within policy frameworks, using your judgement and applying your deep understanding of data protection legislation to new and varied scenarios, assessing risk, and recommending appropriate actions to resolve complex data protection issues.

The responsibilities for this role include:

• acting as the organisation’s subject matter expert on all aspects of data protection, managing complex casework, complaints and directly supporting the Data Protection Officer
• providing strategic advice and guidance to teams on their processing of personal data
• manage more complex or sensitive requests, including those from individuals exercising their data protection rights, as well as leading advice on personal data aspects of high profile and complicated information requests
• commissioning and reviewing policies, procedures, training and guidance to ensure consistent and compliant handling of personal data
• building and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support effective collaboration and risk management.
• contributing to the planning and delivery of strategic priorities, including through project leadership or specialist input to transformation initiatives.
• supporting development of data protection capability in the team and across the organisation through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
  
  
  

Everyone is required to participate in incident response when needed. See candidate pack for more information.

The team

You’ll join the Data Protection team, part of Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) within the Data and Information department. Alongside our Knowledge and Records Management colleagues, we shape how the Environment Agency manages information. We’re a friendly, supportive team spread across the country, working together to make a real impact.

You will line manage a small team of Data Protection advisers and work closely with the Data Protection Officer and Information Law team.

Experience/skills Required

Essential:

• Current, recognised data protection practitioner qualification, such as BCS, IAPP, or PDP.
• Expert technical knowledge and significant experience in a data protection role
• Proven ability to build and influence relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, balancing multiple perspectives and securing consensus to deliver results through others.
• Demonstrated leadership in implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges, managing organisational priorities and resources in high-risk or reputationally sensitive matters.
• A clear commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement, contributing to a culture of learning and collaboration
• Excellent communication and technical coaching skills
• Flexibility and resilience to adapt to changing priorities and demands, managing a busy workload, while maintaining focus on efficiency and quality outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, leading confidently through uncertainty and complexity
• Ability to balance attention to detail and seeing the bigger picture
  
  
  

Desirable experience:

• Working within a large public sector organisation.
• Compliance monitoring and reporting
• Line management
  
  
  

Contact and additional information

Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training, support and equipment needed. Much of our work occurs virtually, we encourage blended home (UK) and office working. Some travel will be required to attend meetings/training. For more information about working for us please read the candidate pack and additional information document.

For questions relating to this role, please contact Sally Williams sally.williams@environment-agency.gov.uk

Interviews will likely take place week commencing 18 August, via MS Teams.

If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and we may offer you an alternative post.

Internal applicants will need their line manager’s permission to apply for an assignment opportunity.

Length of contract

Up to 12 months

Competence 1

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

Description

Find and deliver optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Provide an example of a situation when you made a timely decision to solve a complex data protection problem or issue. Explain how you decided on the solution, and the outcome.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert

Competence 2

Influences and Persuades Others

Description

Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Provide an example of a situation where you have successfully influenced key people with multiple perspectives to agree a way forward, which achieved an organisational outcome. Explain how you influenced them to change their perspectives, the challenges you faced, and what you achieved.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert

Competence 3

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Description

Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods or processes, without compromising quality or accuracy.

Provide an example of an opportunity you have taken to improve ways of working for a team or an organisation in the context of data protection. Explain how you demonstrated your focus on efficiency, innovation and quality in your answer.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert

Competence 4

Delivers Results Through Others

Description

Harness the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.

Provide an example of a situation when you have lead a team or group of subject matter experts to deliver results in line with business priorities and available resources. Explain your leadership approach and your role in what the team delivered.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

• Seniority level
  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type
  Full-time

• Job function
  Engineering and Information Technology

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