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- Tasks: Lead the Data Protection Team and advise on compliance and risk management.
- Company: Join DWP, the UK's largest public service department impacting millions of lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95,000 with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference by safeguarding data privacy and enhancing trust in public services.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of data protection legislation and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Work from various locations including Birmingham, London, and Manchester.
The predicted salary is between 76000 - 114000 £ per year.
Department for Work and Pensions
Deputy Director, Information Rights and Data Protection
Up to £95,000
Location: Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Sheffield.
Closing Date: Friday 14 March 2025 17:00hrs
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy and services. As the UK’s biggest public service department, it operates on a scale that is unmatched anywhere in Europe and most people in Britain come into contact with the Department at some point in their lives. Its mission is to safeguard an effective national welfare system and embed government security to produce a positive difference to peoples' lives and benefit wider society.
Responsible for administering the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers, the nature of DWP’s work means that it collects, holds and processes significant amounts of personal data. Its work is of interest to many.
DWP is now seeking an experienced leader to provide oversight and strategic leadership to its Data Protection Team. Also holding the responsibility of Data Protection Office, the role is responsible for advising the Permanent Secretary and the DWP executive team on issues relating to data protection risk and compliance, whilst also playing a key role in enabling delivery of the Department's future strategy by ensuring that new initiatives are legally compliant and protect appropriately the privacy of our customers and employees, as well as enhancing trust.
To be successful, you will need to have a strong appreciation of the outcomes that data protection legislation seeks to secure, an ability to work across the breadth of DWP, understanding where, when and how practical solutions need to be found to data privacy challenges, and persuasive and influential communications skills that enable you and your team to convey the imperative of best practice in data protection to colleagues across the wider business. The role also requires effective operational leadership skills so you can lead a committed team of circa 40 people, responding to many thousands of subject access and freedom of information requests each year. You do not need to be a deep technical expert as you will be able to draw on the rich expertise within your team, but you do need to be a passionate and credible advocate for data protection and the work of your team.
If you are seeking a role that secures critical safeguards for customers, provides strategic and pragmatic advice to support innovative ways of working, and offers an opportunity to work at significant operational scale – please consider applying.
Please contact our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson for an informal discussion:
- Duncan Ewart: and click on Apply for further information.
Deputy Director, Information Rights and Data Protection employer: Department for Work and Pensions
Contact Detail:
Department for Work and Pensions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Information Rights and Data Protection
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest data protection legislation and best practices. Understanding the nuances of GDPR and how it applies to public services will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of data protection and privacy. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with others who share your interests and can provide insights into the role and its challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led a team through complex data protection issues or compliance challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Department for Work and Pensions' current initiatives and challenges related to data protection. Being informed about their work will allow you to tailor your conversations and show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Information Rights and Data Protection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially around data protection legislation and leadership.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in data protection, leadership, and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and navigate complex data privacy challenges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly articulates your passion for data protection and your strategic vision for the role. Mention how your background aligns with DWP's mission and the importance of safeguarding personal data.
Highlight Communication Skills: Emphasize your persuasive and influential communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully conveyed complex information to diverse audiences in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Work and Pensions
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Make sure you grasp how the Deputy Director role influences data protection within DWP. Be ready to discuss how your leadership can enhance compliance and trust in handling personal data.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your persuasive communication abilities. Highlight situations where you've effectively conveyed complex data protection concepts to non-experts, showcasing your ability to influence across teams.
✨Demonstrate Operational Leadership
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Share specific instances where you successfully managed a team to meet operational goals while ensuring compliance with data protection legislation.
✨Stay Updated on Data Protection Legislation
Familiarize yourself with current data protection laws and best practices. During the interview, reference recent changes or challenges in the field, demonstrating your commitment to staying informed and proactive in safeguarding data.
