Defence Digital Deputy Head Data Protection 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 cybersecurity 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

The Data Protection Officer’s (DPO) Team performs a critical function for Defence by helping it comply with its legal data protection obligations. The DPO Team provides guidance, support and assurance to MOD personnel, veterans, and the public. It also develops data protection policies with OGDs. It handles all personal data incident reports and interfaces with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The main function of this exciting and multifaceted role, is to support the MOD’s Data Protection Officer and oversee the DPO Team, managing 5 members of staff from varying levels.

This is a demanding and varied role working to provide advice on data protection impact assessments, as appropriate and monitor their performance.  You will be a strong relationship builder who can establish productive working relationships with teams and stakeholders.

For further information and duties on the role, please see the MOD Digital and Information Portal link: MOD Digital and Information Professions Portal - KIM Role Definitions - All Documents (sharepoint.com)

Person specification

Are you a seasoned data protection expert looking for a new challenge? We're seeking a skilled professional to join our team, to help provide high level guidance to MOD staff, about their obligations pursuant to the Data Protection Act 2018.  You will be pivotal in ensuring service delivery is balanced with compliance and ensure MOD maintains an effective record of personal data processing activities.

Responsibilities: 

• Inform and advise MOD personnel of their obligations under data protection law.
• Sponsor and deliver data protection awareness and training activities to MOD policy and secretariat professionals.
• Have due regard for the risks associated with personal data processing operations, considering the nature, scope, and context of the processing.
• Monitor compliance with data protection law and MOD data protection policy (including the assignment of responsibilities, awareness-raising and training of data protection professionals and general staff).
• Lead and engage with compliance and audit activities, including liaison with MOD internal audit branch to support their audit programme.
• Work closely with areas that are not meeting targets to improve performance.
• Analyse performance data and draft reports for the Permanent Secretary, senior Defence boards, Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Information Commissioner, as required.
• Co-operate with the Information Commissioner’s Office and act as a data protection contact point.

You must have the below Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience of operating within a data protection profession in an organisation which processes a substantial amount of personal data, delivering a high quality, efficient and cost-effective service by considering a broad range of methods for delivery.  Ensuring adherence to legal, regulatory and security requirements in service delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including at a senior level. Confident in communicating with others in a clear, honest, and enthusiastic way in order to build trust, and explain complex issues in a way that is easy to understand.
• Confident in encouraging, recognising, and sharing innovative ideas from a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders and create an environment where people feel safe to challenge and know their voice will be heard.
• Experience of being an excellent leader, with the ability to coordinate the activities of others and inspire and motivate teams to be fully engaged in their work and dedicated to their role.

Behaviours

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership

Technical skills

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

• GKIM Information Governance – Leader level

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £67,820, Ministry of Defence contributes £19,647 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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).  We have offices located at other sites across the UK. The successful candidate can be located at another site with the agreement of the Head of Department. It should be noted that there will be a requirement for weekly travel to London.

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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.