Army Data Protection Advisor

Overview

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuring you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently. You will know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, with responsibility for an annual budget of over £10bn, the Army is a major part of the Ministry of Defence and one of its largest operating centres who employ around 12,000 Civil Servants located at over 300 locations supporting the 110K regular and reserve soldiers across the Army. This Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff.

Role

The Field Army Headquarters is seeking an experienced and proactive Data Protection Advisor to join the iHub within the Field Army Centre team. As the designated Data Protection Officer, you will provide independent oversight and expert advice on data protection matters while fostering a culture of accountability and good practice across the headquarters. You will contribute to the organisation’s resilience and compliance, providing assurance and confidence to the headquarters. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• The promotion of Data Protection compliance across the HQ, monitoring activities to ensure legislative and statutory obligations are adhered to.
• Advise organisational staff and commercial colleagues to ensure the processing of personal data is compliant, including assisting with the production and assurance of DPIAs.
• Reporting on compliance with Data Protection, GDPR, monitoring organisational risk.
• Providing Data Protection assurance, implementing and undertaking targeted assurance exercises across the headquarters.

Candidate Assessment

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

At application you will be assessed against a Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words outlining why you feel you’re best suited to the role and how you can demonstrate the requirements within the person specification and essential criteria within the advert. At interview you will be assessed against the following behaviours: Changing and Improving; Communicating and Influencing; Managing a Quality Service; Working Together.

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed but will be held in person at Army Headquarters, Andover. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs.

Note on Application Integrity

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal of applications or disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Advice and Diversity

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity, including a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk.

Security and Nationality

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements before appointment. See the vetting charter and baseline personnel security checks. This job is broadly open to certain nationalities as outlined in the posting. See also information on nationality requirements and immigration sponsorship for skilled workers. Further information on the Civil Service Code and merit-based recruitment principles is available.

Benefits and Location

The post is located at HQ Field Army, Marlborough Lines, Andover, SP11 8HJ. Alongside a salary of £29,580, the MOD contributes £8,569 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Benefits include annual leave, pension, development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and other Civil Service employee benefits.

The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Expenses for travel to interviews are not reimbursed. The Department is reviewing pay-related allowances which could impact current allowances. Moving to MOD may affect eligibility for childcare vouchers; other government schemes may apply.

Workplace Health and Conduct

The MOD is committed to a safe and healthy working environment, including a policy on not smoking within the Defence working environment. All applicants should be aware of this policy, which applies to all personnel and visitors.