About the job

Job summary

There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. Ensuring those outputs are delivered in a legally compliant way is vital for protecting the Army from legal repercussions and enabling it to fulfil its functions.

The post holder will join the Army Data Protection Support Team (DPST), working to support the Information Design Authority (Info DA) and the wider Directorate of Information (D Info). This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join the data protection function and support the operation of the DPST.

The DPST is a small but growing team dedicated to taking on Data Protection issues within the Army – this post will be the lead for driving assurance processes throughout the Army TLB. We sit within the Info DA – a new Design Authority that has been created as a result of the Army Operating Model and is the mechanism by which we will enable, assure and facilitate the British Army’s mission of becoming a Digital War-fighting Force.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to join a team facing an exciting future and leading the Army in digital ways of working. We want to hear from you if you want to be part of this journey and believe you have the potential to help us. We are fully committed to upskilling and training all our team members to become certified privacy professionals to support the team in delivering our mission of obtaining and maintaining legislative compliance across the British Army. If you want to be involved in a mature and expanding business area that is responsible for ensuring the British Army’s compliance with Data Protection legislation, then this is the role for you!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

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 office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. 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). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. 

Job description

The Army Data Protection Support Team (DPST) provides support to the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) Data Protection Network and is a key element in promoting Data Protection policy, compliance and Governance across the TLB on behalf of the Principal Data Protection Adviser (PDPA) and Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO).

As the lead for Data Protection (DP) Assurance, the successful incumbent will be the lead staff officer for the delivery of Army Data Protection Assurance Policy in Army TLB. The HEO Assurance will work with the MOD Data Protection Officers Team and other TLBs to identify key requirements and changes, taking forward the development and implementation of Army Data Protection policy, governance, assurance, guidance and establishment of data ownership for personal data at all levels throughout the TLB. They will also support the development and delivery of DP training, co-ordinate the multi-faceted response to complex Data Protection issues and promote Army DPST, building its standing and reputation in both the Army and Defence. They will also be responsible for line management of 1x EO Civil Servant.

As lead staff officer for the delivery of Army Data Protection assurance policy, you will be responsible for the implementation of data protection policy throughout the TLB.  This position will lead on the review of legislative and policy requirements for assurance, engaging with other areas and key stakeholders to understand the constraints Units encounter to support in the creation and promotion of Data Protection policy.

You will lead on the implementation of the Army DPST’s assurance and auditing function across the Army TLB. This will involve engaging with Local Data Protection Advisers (LDPAs), arranging visits to review personal data processes, assessing associated risk mitigation/compliance with data protection principles and producing reports and action plans. You will also review high-risk Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), engaging with stakeholders and signing off on behalf of the Army PDPA and SIRO. In addition, you will ensure the MOD Data Protection Officer is aware of all high-risk processes that is conducted across the Army TLB.

You will support the LDPAs on the handling of complex Data Subject Requests (DSRs), representing the Army DPST at key meetings to ensure that DSRs are processed in line with the law to reduce the risk of complaints and action taken against the Army TLB. This will also include assuring the MOD system used to process DSRs and engaging with LDPAs when DSRs are close to the response deadline to offer support and direction on the requirement to respond within the legal timeframe.

You will provide advice to Army personnel regarding data protection policy, governance, assurance, compliance and training. You will also attend and represent the Army in TLB/MOD meetings on an ad hoc basis to promote and advise on data protection legislation. You will also produce and deliver training aids, workshops and specific training for high-risk areas within the Army.

You will be a line manager, responsible for 1x EO assurance post. You will also monitor the group mailbox, providing advice and guidance on the day to day running of the DPST. This includes contributing to team tasks, support the training and development requirement, provide an overview of assurance tasks and provide advice, guidance and assistance when required.

Person specification

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who can handle the pressure of coordinating a wide range of activities and should be comfortable working within the data profession and be prepared to adapt to changing priorities. Applicants should also have effective written and verbal communication skills and display a positive and professional attitude.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Please note that it is essential that your personal statement is aligned to provide evidence that you have the knowledge and recent practical experience for each of the following selection criteria in your application:

• Being well versed in communication and confident in explaining complex concepts to others.
• An understanding of and experience working with Microsoft office suite; computer literate with the ability to pick up and learn new skills.
• Able to prioritise tasks and work as part of a large team spanning different levels and types of stakeholders.
• A genuine desire to develop, learn and contribute to the team.
• Hold a Data Protection Practitioner Certificate or obtain within 12 months of joining (training provided).

At application, you will be assessed against the following:

Experience

• Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (Word count) 

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership

At interview, you will be assessed against the above along with the following:

Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

Application sifting is scheduled to take place within 10 days after closing date. In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial sift based on the Personal Statement and Leadership behaviour will be conducted.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk . 

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.  

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.