Defence Digital Assistant Head Information Rights Officer

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line. We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.

Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.

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Working at Defence Digital

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Defence Digital offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment. Employees have the chance to grow in their roles and advance within the organisation through various Learning and Development opportunities. The work is diverse, engaging, and, most importantly, has a significant impact.  The ability to work flexibly, drive change through others, collaborate as part of a team or independently, and manage pressure within tight deadlines is essential.  Good attention to detail, particularly in analysing and presenting information for internal and external audiences is pivotal.

For further information and duties on the role, please see the GKIM Skills Framework word document attached to the advert.

**Please note that this post is only open to a Sole UK British National**

Person specification

We are a friendly, diverse, and inclusive team of upbeat and creative individuals and welcome those who can bring their talents and new perspectives to the team.

The Data Protection Officer’s team performs a critical function for Defence by helping it to comply with statutory information-related obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018.

The main function of this post is to support the MOD’s Departmental Data Protection Officer in the fulfilment of his functions. The post holder oversees the day-to-day management of the Data Protection team which provides guidance, support, and assurance to the Department on the handling of requests for information under the DPA 2018, as well as working with OGD’s to create handling policy. The team also handles all breach reporting referrals, including consultation with the Information Commissioners Office. The post is responsible for managing four members of staff.

Responsibilities: 

• Providing advice and direction to staff across the MOD on the application of the Data Protection legislation including the use of exemptions and the release of material.
• Assisting Business Units in the production of legally compliant Data Subject Requests (including Subject Access Requests (SAR)) responses, by providing advice and guidance on written work and supporting consultation on complex cases.
• Managing the contract for the MOD-wide case management system for individual requests for information and general enquiries concerning personal data.
• Undertaking analysis of performance data to draft reports for the Permanent Secretary, senior Defence boards, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Information Commissioner, as required.
• Working closely with areas that are not meeting targets to improve performance.
• Sponsorship and delivery of personal data awareness and training activities to MOD policy and secretariat professionals.
• Responsible for leading and engaging in compliance and audit activities, including liaison with MOD internal audit branch to support their audit programme.

You must have the below Essential Criteria:

• A successful track record of building sustainable relationships and communicating effectively with stakeholders. Given the breadth of stakeholders you will engage with, you should be confident of quickly establishing credibility and authority with stakeholders across the business area.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills. You should be a confident communicator in both written and oral formats, able to present ideas and options with a range of audiences.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• GKIM Information Rights DPA – Leader level (Please refer to the framework, word document attached to the advert)

Benefits

• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King's birthday
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your well-being
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• Benefit Pension Scheme:   Civil Service pension
• Please see Benefits link for more info: Civilian Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

Equality and Diversity

Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Defence Digital. It’s vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of both our audience and the wider society in the UK, so we’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities. We also recognise the importance of a good work life balance, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including part-time and job shares for all our roles. Please let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process if this is something you want to explore.

Professional Framework Statement  

Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.  Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.

Learning & Development

In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing:

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
• Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD

Hybrid Working

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details).

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. 

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.