Data Protection Lead

We are seeking an experienced Data Protection Lead to join a high-performing data governance function within a digital delivery environment. This is a hands-on operational role focused on embedding privacy and data protection principles into innovative digital products and services. Working within a team of 8 data protection and governance professionals (and a wider governance function of 14), you will provide expert advice, conduct privacy risk assessments, and support the implementation of privacy-by-design practices across complex digital programmes. This role is ideal for a pragmatic and collaborative data protection professional who enjoys working closely with delivery teams, analysing technical solutions, and ensuring privacy risks are effectively identified and managed throughout the development lifecycle.,

• Lead and support the completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and other privacy risk assessments.
• Provide expert guidance on UK GDPR, Data Protection Act requirements, and broader privacy compliance obligations.
• Embed Privacy by Design principles into new and existing digital services and products.
• Work collaboratively with product, technical, delivery and policy teams to identify and mitigate privacy risks.
• Assess complex digital products and services, translating technical concepts into clear privacy and compliance considerations.
• Support the development and maintenance of data protection policies, standards and guidance.
• Provide practical, risk-based advice to stakeholders while balancing legal compliance with operational delivery needs.
• Contribute to the management of privacy risks associated with digital delivery programmes and emerging technologies.
• Support compliance activities, governance processes and assurance reviews as required.
  
  Minimum 3 years' experience working in data protection, privacy, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong practical experience conducting and reviewing DPIAs and privacy risk assessments.
• Detailed knowledge of UK GDPR, data protection legislation and privacy best practice.
• Experience working in a digital, technology or product delivery environment.
• Strong understanding of Privacy by Design principles and their application in digital services.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to undertake detailed risk assessments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Pragmatic approach to balancing privacy requirements with organisational and delivery objectives.
Desirable Skills & Experience
• Experience within the Civil Service, wider public sector, or government organisations.
• Experience supporting the development and delivery of large-scale digital transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of privacy considerations relating to digital identity services.
• Experience assessing or managing privacy and data protection risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
• Familiarity with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and digital delivery practices., Applicants should hold one or more of the following qualifications, or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience:
• Data Protection Practitioner Certificate
• CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional - Europe)
• CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager)
• CIPT (Certified Information Privacy Technologist)
• UK GDPR Practitioner Certificate
• Equivalent data protection/privacy qualifications
Person Specification
• Personable, collaborative and approachable.
• A strong team player who enjoys working closely with delivery and technical teams.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused in their approach to privacy and compliance challenges.
• Comfortable working at a detailed operational level rather than in a purely strategic capacity.
• Confident assessing complex technical products and identifying privacy risks.
• Resilient and able to maintain focus when conducting detailed assessments and reviews.