At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data protection compliance and manage personal data risks for Essex Police.
- Company: Join Essex Police, a forward-thinking organisation committed to public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public confidence and lawful policing practices.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of data protection laws and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45765 - 45765 £ per year.
Essex Police is recruiting a Data Protection Compliance Manager on a temporary basis until December 2027, the end date may be subject to change, to support the delivery of the Force's data protection audit, assurance and compliance arrangements.
Contract Details
- Location: Chelmsford
- Advert Closing Date: 23/06/2026
- Starting Salary: £45,765.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
- Part/Full Time: Full Time
- Contract Type: Secondment/fixed-term
- Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
- Weekend/Evening Working: No
Responsibilities
- Act as tactical lead for information-based risk, focusing on personal data breach management and DPIA oversight across the organisation.
- Support day-to-day application of data protection governance, including DPIAs, information rights activities (rectification and deletion) and policy/procedure guidance.
- Provide line management of data protection resources and deputise for the Force DPO where appropriate, including supporting force-wide training.
- Coordinate and deliver audit and assurance activities, such as site visits and compliance-based audits, to identify non-compliance, assess risk, and support mitigation measures.
- When residual risk remains, support escalation through appropriate governance routes, as agreed with the Force DPO.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Strong working knowledge of data protection legislation, ideally with practical application within a policing or regulatory environment, and a clear understanding of the roles of the DPO and SIRO.
- 2–5 years’ experience working in a data-protection-led environment (e.g., sharing/disclosure of material).
- At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role, demonstrating the ability to coordinate work, set standards, and support others to deliver consistently high-quality outcomes.
Additional Qualifications (Desirable)
- A formal data protection qualification (e.g., BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection). If not currently held, it is expected to be achieved in the role.
- An information security qualification (e.g., BCS CISMP) and/or experience managing information security incidents and personal data breaches, including investigation and mitigation tracking.
Location
The role is home-based agile, based at Essex Police Headquarters, Chelmsford. The post is worked Monday to Friday, with occasional on-site attendance required to support audit and assurance activity.
Benefits
- Work directly to support public confidence, organisational risk management, and lawful policing practice.
- Exposure to force-wide governance, senior stakeholders, and complex regulatory issues.
- Opportunities for professional development within a specialist compliance function.
Contact
For further information contact Force Data Protection Officer, Michelle Watson, email michelle.watson@essex.police.uk.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- If you are not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years, and you must be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain.
- If you are from the UK, you must have lived here continuously for the last three years (exempt for serving abroad in the British Armed Forces).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.
As a Disability Confident Leader we have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation. We are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.
Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
Data Protection Compliance Manager (Headquarters, Chelmsford) employer: Essex & Kent Police
Essex Police is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety and data protection within a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a focus on professional development and exposure to senior stakeholders, employees can thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the community. The agile working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while engaging in vital compliance activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Protection Compliance Manager (Headquarters, Chelmsford)
✨Dive into Industry Groups
Join compliance and risk management groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. These communities often share temp job postings and insights. You’d be surprised at how many temporary gigs float around through word of mouth!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Consider creating content on compliance topics that get you noticed—think LinkedIn articles or even a blog. This not only shows off your knowledge but can grab the attention of companies like Essex & Kent Police when they’re searching for someone to fill a temporary position.
✨Tap into Recruitment Agencies
Reach out to recruitment agencies that specialise in compliance and risk roles. They’re usually in touch with companies looking to fill temporary roles, which can save us a lot of time in our job search.
✨Go Local with Networking
Attend local compliance and risk seminars or workshops. Meeting professionals in our area can open up temp opportunities, and it’s a great way to make your face known in the industry—plus, you might even meet someone from Essex & Kent Police!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Protection Compliance Manager (Headquarters, Chelmsford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compliance Know-How:When you’re applying for a compliance-risk role like Data Protection Compliance Manager (Headquarters, Chelmsford), make sure to highlight your understanding of industry regulations and risk management principles. Mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or projects that showcase your expertise in these areas—it's what sets you apart!
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the compliance-risk field, strong analytical skills are essential. Talk about your experiences that required critical thinking and data analysis, whether in past roles, internships, or academic projects. Show us how you've identified risks and implemented solutions in the past.
Tailor Your CV for the Temporary Role:Since this is a temporary role, focus on your availability and flexibility in your CV. Highlight any previous short-term roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. This helps employers see you as an easy fit in their team!
A Concise Cover Letter is Key:Keep your cover letter short and focused! Explain why you're interested in the compliance-risk area specifically for this temporary position at Essex & Kent Police. Mention what you hope to learn and achieve, showing your enthusiasm and motivation to contribute positively during your time there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex & Kent Police
✨Know Your Compliance Basics
Make sure you're clued up on the key compliance and risk regulations pertinent to the industry you're applying to. Understanding frameworks like GDPR or AML will not only impress but also show that you’re ready to hit the ground running in your temporary role at Essex & Kent Police.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. They might ask how you'd handle a specific compliance issue. Think through real situations you’ve encountered in past roles or study hypothetical cases to showcase your analytical skills and practical judgement during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly to new environments and team dynamics. Share examples of how you’ve successfully adjusted to changes in past roles and how this flexibility can benefit Essex & Kent Police in the short term.
✨Gather Your Technical Tools
Familiarise yourself with commonly used compliance tools or software, as they might come up in the interview. If you've used tools for risk assessments or compliance tracking, mention those and be ready to discuss how they can streamline processes at Essex & Kent Police.
