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- Tasks: Lead data protection compliance and support the Data Protection Officer in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a key player in public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data privacy and governance in transport.
- Qualifications: Expertise in data protection laws and experience leading teams required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 69501 - 69501 £ per year.
Department for Transport
Location: Birmingham, Hastings, Leeds, Swansea (Hybrid)
Salary: £69,501 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
As Head of Information Compliance and Deputy DPO, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the Data Protection Officer in fulfilling their statutory tasks and leading a network of data protection practitioners across the DfT group. You’ll have oversight of compliance across the entire controllership and work closely with the DPOs in DfT’s arms’ length bodies (e.g., HS2 Ltd, National Highways, DfTO, Network Rail). This is your opportunity to tackle a wide range of challenges:
- Ensuring the highest privacy standards in how we use and share personal data to deliver modern, joined-up services
- Advising on the use of data for research and policy development
- Navigating the privacy and ethical considerations associated with the use of emerging technologies in transport
- Overseeing compliance with wider information rights and records management legislation
- Leading a team based across multiple office locations effectively
Top Responsibilities:
- Advising staff and managers at all levels on compliance with data protection and information rights law
- Supporting the DPO in ensuring their statutory tasks are carried out efficiently and to a high standard
- Staying abreast of government strategy, legislation, guidance, and associated case law relevant to information management, information rights and data protection
- Engaging with cross-government data protection networks and policy leads
- Managing a multi-functional team covering Data Protection, FOI, Knowledge & Information Management, and eDiscovery
- Championing transparency and ensuring quality responses to information rights requests
- Overseeing complex casework and engaging with the Information Commissioner’s Office on policy measures and innovative solutions involving personal data
- Identifying, assessing, and managing compliance risks, ensuring effective mitigation and associated governance reporting
- Developing and maintaining policies and procedures to support compliance, and monitoring their effectiveness
Benefits:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you:
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Expert knowledge of relevant laws and associated guidance covering data protection, Freedom of Information and the Public Records Act
- Proven track record of advising on complex privacy and data governance matters to provide robust, risk-based, solutions
- Experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams, balancing individual priorities whilst maintaining clear strategic overview
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to explain complex issues in a way that is easy to understand
- Extensive experience of having built and maintained effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders to improve compliance
- Aware of the technological landscape, and the tools and platforms used to store and share information
- A good understanding of information and cyber security risk management
Essential qualifications/licenses:
- Applicants must hold an industry-recognised practitioner qualification in data protection
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 9th February 2026.
Head of Information Compliance and Deputy DPO employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Information Compliance and Deputy DPO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for data protection roles. We should also think about how our past experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Tailoring our answers can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our expertise! During interviews, we can share specific examples of how we've tackled compliance challenges in the past. This not only demonstrates our knowledge but also our problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our interest in the role can keep us fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows that we’re genuinely keen on the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Information Compliance and Deputy DPO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Information Compliance and Deputy DPO. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of data protection laws and compliance. We want to see your proven track record in advising on complex privacy matters, so share specific examples that showcase your skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to break up text and make it digestible.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you a chance to review everything before hitting send. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your Data Protection Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest data protection laws and guidance. Being able to discuss how these apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you can navigate complex issues with ease.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight your ability to balance individual priorities while keeping a strategic overview, as this is crucial for the Head of Information Compliance role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex data governance matters in simple terms. The interviewers will want to see that you can communicate effectively with various stakeholders, so being clear and concise is key.
✨Engage with Emerging Technologies
Be ready to discuss your awareness of the technological landscape and how it impacts data protection. Showing that you understand the privacy and ethical considerations of new technologies will set you apart from other candidates.
