Data Governance & Privacy Lead in London

Data Governance & Privacy Lead in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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.
  • 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 will 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 in London employer: Government Digital Service

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets public service. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, GDS provides opportunities to work alongside some of the brightest minds in digital technology, all while contributing to meaningful projects that impact millions across the UK. Located in vibrant hubs such as Manchester, London, and Bristol, GDS fosters a collaborative culture that values transparency, accountability, and the harnessing of cutting-edge technologies like AI for the public good.
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Contact Detail:

Government Digital Service Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Data Governance & Privacy Lead in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate what you can bring to the table, especially in data governance and privacy.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Keep an eye on our job listings and don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring!

We think you need these skills to ace Data Governance & Privacy Lead in London

Data Protection Best Practice
Privacy by Design
Leadership Skills
Data Governance
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Training and Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Management
Understanding of AI Technologies
Project Management
Analytical Skills
Adaptability
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data governance and privacy. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the GDS, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Data Governance & Privacy Lead, you'll be managing a team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and proactive problem-solving!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for data protection shines through without overwhelming us with too much detail.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values 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 approach to collaboration and governance, and be ready to discuss how you’ve managed workloads and priorities effectively in previous positions.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice explaining complex data governance concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey technical details to non-technical staff, so demonstrating your strong communication skills will be key to making a good impression.

✨Stay Updated on Emerging Technologies

Familiarise yourself with new technologies, particularly AI, and how they can enhance public services. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance legal requirements with innovative solutions that benefit the public, showcasing your forward-thinking mindset.

Data Governance & Privacy Lead in London
Government Digital Service
Location: London
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