At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection initiatives and manage information compliance for DVSA.
- Company: Join DVSA, a key player in government data protection.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, flexible working, and up to 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data protection and information management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Industry-recognised data protection qualification and willingness to learn about FOI and security.
The Head of Data Protection and Information Management role forms part of a Department wide Data Protection Unit led by the DfT Departmental Data Protection Officer, and locally reports into the DVSA Chief Data & Security Officer. The role is responsible for carrying out the delegated statutory tasks of the Departmental Data Protection Officer in accordance with the DfT DPO Governance Framework. They also act as the principal point of contact for the ICO and for Data Subjects for the DVSA within the DfT controllership. The role manages the information and records management function as part of the Government Knowledge and Information (KIM) Profession and ensures that management of both electronic and physical records is compliant with GDPR and other regulations. The team also works with the DVSA Corporate Reputation team to help DVSA meet statutory obligations originating from GDPR and Freedom of Information legislation assuring processes, and also leading Internal Reviews or information rights requests under data protection legislation.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- 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), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- To act as the Data Protection Manager for the DVSA, carrying out the statutory tasks delegated to the role and DVSA by the Department’s DPO (as set out in the DfT Data Protection Governance Policy).
- Leading the records management function ensuring alignment with DfT and wider Government.
- Providing assurance to the Digital & Technology Leadership Team that the organisation's systems are designed in accordance with the data protection policies and regulations.
- Lead FOI internal reviews, ensuring our response is fair and robust, and when necessary challenging senior managers on decisions to disclose or withhold.
Essential qualifications:
- You must have an industry-recognised practitioner-level qualification in data protection.
- You will either have a qualification in FOI or a security qualification such as CISMP or ISO27001. For these areas (FoI and security) where no qualification is held, you should be willing to acquire them within 9 months of joining us.
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- A history of being involved in incident management and forming part of a wider incident management team.
- A history of working collaboratively and inclusively with external organisations and other stakeholders, sharing information and knowledge to achieve common aims.
- Experience of information and records management function and be able to advise on Freedom of Information legislation and supporting the business with any training.
- Experience in assessing and improving compliance and reporting on this to all levels.
- Experience of risk management and working with cyber security colleagues.
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DVSA, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Head of Data Protection & Information Management employer: DVSA.GOV
The DVSA is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a substantial pension contribution, increasing annual leave, and flexible working options, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to vital public service initiatives in various locations including Swansea, Bristol, and Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Protection & Information Management
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like DVSA.GOV looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Protection & Information Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at DVSA.GOV. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at DVSA.GOV
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with DVSA.GOV’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
