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- Tasks: Lead data governance and privacy initiatives to ensure compliance and protect user data.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, shaping a modern digital government for the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in data protection and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government — we are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government by:
- joining up public sector services
- harnessing the power of AI for the public good
- strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
- elevating leadership and investing in talent
- funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
- committing to transparency and driving accountability
We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government. We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.
The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale. Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need.
The Data Governance Team, as part of the GDS Product, Strategy, Planning and Performance directorate, provides specialist expertise and leadership across the Government Digital Service. GDS has specialist data protection requirements and needs extensive data governance controls to be designed and incorporated into product development. Strong privacy controls designed and built from the outset maintain users' confidence in the digital services delivered by GDS.
The Data Governance team has an excellent track record for their enabling and pragmatic attitudes to support delivery teams in achieving GDS’s strategic objectives at a fast pace whilst balancing robust data protection compliance. The post holder will lead on delivering data protection excellence across GDS in products such as the GOV.UK web platform, App, analytics and new and upcoming products such as GOV.UK Chat.
As a Data Governance & Privacy Lead, you will:
- line manage and play an active role in the Data Governance leadership team
- lead your sub-team to design and implement privacy and data protection controls for the products and processes GDS creates, including the delivery of Data Protection Impact Assessments to ensure the GDS Product Group complies with data protection law by delivering flexible and pragmatic governance practices that enable delivery at pace
- lead the delivery of high quality Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Privacy Notices and Records of Processing Activities for new projects at pace
- oversee training to ensure GDS staff understand data protection obligations and best practices, fostering a culture of data privacy at all levels
- work closely with GDS colleagues to build trust
- deliver high quality written and verbal briefings to all levels, including delivery managers and senior management and explain technical detail to non-technical staff
- work closely with external stakeholders such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and privacy groups to ensure compliance and address queries
- provide proactive support to the heads to manage and lead on compliance, identify risks, the development of data governance strategies and deliver strategic objectives
- prioritise your time and the time of your team effectively to manage a high volume, fast paced and frequently evolving workload
- manage workloads to ensure that priorities align with strategic and team objectives and that deadlines are met
- provide expert advice and direction on complex and novel forms of processing, especially on AI, and balance legal requirements against the need to deliver innovative solutions to benefit the public, supporting timely delivery of demanding GDS targets
We’re interested in people who have:
- demonstrable experience in leading the implementation of data protection best practice and privacy by design in a complex, challenging, technology-driven environment
- a relevant privacy qualification such as IAPP (CIPP/E, CIPM) or BCS (ISEB), or have relevant experience
- demonstrable experience of leading data protection teams to enable the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives, underpinned by a positive, proactive leadership approach with a commitment to collaboration and governance
- experience at delivering at pace, meeting challenging and changing operational and legal deadlines
- strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships in a flexible and fast-changing environment
- a good understanding of new and emerging technologies and the opportunities they provide to improve the delivery of public services in the UK, including AI
- experience of risk management and the ability to balance risks against operational, technical and commercial requirements
Data Governance & Privacy Lead employer: Government Digital Service
Contact Detail:
Government Digital Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Governance & Privacy Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with GDS folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GDS's projects and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to drive modern digital government. Tailor your answers to reflect our priorities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your expertise in data governance and privacy clearly and confidently. We want to see how you can communicate complex ideas to non-technical folks.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at GDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Governance & Privacy Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Data Governance & Privacy Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've applied them in real-world situations. We want to see examples of your leadership in data protection and how you've tackled challenges in a tech-driven environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we need to communicate complex ideas simply, so show us you can do that in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital Service
✨Know Your Data Protection Stuff
Make sure you brush up on data protection laws and best practices, especially those relevant to the public sector. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented privacy by design in past roles, as this will show your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your proactive leadership style and how you've fostered collaboration within your team to achieve strategic objectives. This is key for the role!
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex data governance concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey technical details to non-technical staff, so being able to break things down will be crucial. Think about how you can make your points clear and engaging.
✨Stay Current with Tech Trends
Familiarise yourself with emerging technologies, particularly AI, and how they impact data governance. Be prepared to discuss innovative solutions you've considered or implemented that balance legal requirements with operational needs.
