Data Protection Manager (Ref: 20793)

Location: Staffordshire, UK; Elgin Ave., London W9 2NR, UK; Scotland; Wales, UKSalary: 42,914 - 53,081 per yearEmployment: Full timeCategory: PolicyPosted: 2026-08-05Valid to: 2026-08-22Apply: Ministry of JusticeJob summaryThis position is based nationally.Job descriptionOverview of SIDSID is part of the Service Transformation Group. The Group oversees the building of a strategic vision for modernising and digitising our legacy systems, generating a coordinated plan across the MoJ and its agencies for transformation, and tracking delivery of this transformation.Security and information management are fundamental building blocks of enabling the department to deliver. We have highly skilled experts working collaboratively with the department, Government Security Group and other partners to enable the whole of the MoJ to function securely, lawfully and transparently.We identify, manage, and mitigate MoJ’s security, data protection and information risks, and provide assurance against those risks. We’re also home to the Counter Fraud Centre of Expertise. Part of our mission is to up-skill the department so that security becomes second nature to our people and partners.Team ProfileThe remit of the Data Protection Team covers Headquarters, the five Executive Agencies and 12 Arm’s Length Bodies.Their work includes:1. Monitoring and overseeing compliance with data protection legislation and MoJ personal data policies2. Advising on Data Protection Impact Assessments3. Acting as the point of contact with the Information Commissioner’s Office4. Receiving requests from data subjects who wish to exercise their rights to - access, restrict, rectify or erase - their personal dataSummaryThe RoleReporting to the Data Protection Strategic Lead you will have a leading role in contributing to improvements to the way the department manages its personal data including responsibility for promoting adherence to and providing guidance across a vast spectrum of business areas on information legislation; you will also be part of the management of high impact incidents involving personal data.Responsibilities, Activities and DutiesThe job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:Key Responsibilities include: Act as principle point of contact for a number of the MoJ’s component agencies/ organisations and central work-streams; providing expert advice and guidance on the application of data protection legislation in their business area and particular circumstances. You will have to deal with complex issues and will need to be able to produce accurate advice on compliance matters quickly, to a high standard. Contribute to commissions from within the business and cross-government, to help ensure the proper application of data protection law and reliance on appropriate legal gateways to data processing mindful of the potential risks and outcomes associated with such. Review and advise upon Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and data sharing agreements / memorandums produced (or in production) to mitigate privacy risks and advise on potential solutions and changes to processes / policies proposed to aid both their legal and practical application. Build and maintain excellent working relationships with key colleagues in the Ministry, its executive agencies as well as with other government departments. The role also provides the opportunity to draft a range of written communications including advice and submissions to senior officials and Ministers. You may also have to draft clear letters and other correspondence setting out the legal position in the context of the circumstances in each case to stakeholders and the public.Person SpecificationEssential A current working knowledge and understanding of both the GDPR and DPA 2018 and must be able to recognise, and advise upon, the potential impacts of such on MoJ’s existing and emerging technology systems / projects. A proven track record in developing and leading information assurance strategy in government, including stakeholder engagement, specifically in relation to risk, Proven leadership experience in an information / data management setting. Experience and knowledge of existing working practices within government, including technical security advice, risk management, off-shoring, data protection impact assessment, governance and compliance. Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain focus and alignment of the team’s activities - including experience of the management of a team of information security / assurance specialists. Experience of engaging with stakeholders and staff to resolve business issues and ensure effective and efficient delivery of services. In a comparable business environment, experience of providing evidence based, risk balanced advice to seniors, presenting complex considerations in clear and non-technical terms.Desirable A data protection/GDPR qualification e.g. CIPP/E or CIPMThis list is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.Application ProcessThis vacancy will be assessed using Success Profiles to assess behaviours and technical expertise. The application process will require 250 word STAR format for the identified behaviours, the submission of a CV and a statement of suitability to evidence how you meet the essential and technical criteria required for the role.The sift will be based on the following behaviours:• Communicating and Influencing• Working togetherCommunicating and Influencing will be the lead behaviour, so if there a lot of applicants we will sift solely on this.The interview will be based on the following behaviours:• Delivering at pace• Managing a Quality ServiceSelection process details All candidates must submit a CV and Statement of Suitability (of up to 1000 words) which demonstrates the key behaviours required for the role.Note: due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to provide feedback after the CV review (sift) stage.At the interview we will be assessing your technical/specialist skills and experience, testing your ability through relevant assessments and asking you questions around the behaviours we require to be successful in this role.Hours of Work/Working Pattern37 hour working week (standard).Person specificationPlease refer to Job DescriptionBehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Communicating and InfluencingWorking TogetherDelivering at PaceManaging a Quality ServiceTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:A current, and constantly renewed understanding of both UK GDPR and DPA 2018.BenefitsAlongside your salary of 42,914, Ministry of Justice contributes 12,432 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Access to learning and developmentA working environment that supports a range of flexible working options to enhance your work life balanceA working culture which encourages inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Annual LeavePublic HolidaysSeason Ticket AdvanceFor more information about the recruitment process, benefits and allowances and answers to general queries, please click the below link which will direct you to our Candidate Information Page. Link: Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful 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 requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe 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.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob contact : Name : SSCL Recruitment Enquiries TeamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukTelephone : 0345 241 5359Recruitment teamEmail : moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.ukFurther informationAppointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles and would like to raise this, please contact SSCL (Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com) in the first instance. If the role has been advertised externally (outside of the Civil Service) and you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: