DWP hunts leader to manage the handling of 3,000 FOI requests each year, while also playing a ‘key part in enabling delivery of the department’s future strategy by ensuring compliance’
The Department for Work and Pensions is seeking to appoint a new leader to act as “the first point of contact for DWP’s 20 million customers” on any issues related to data protection.
The successful candidate for the role of data-protection officer – which sits at deputy director level – will be expected to “play a key part in enabling delivery of the department’s future strategy by ensuring that new initiatives are legally compliant and appropriately protect the privacy of our customers and employees”, according to the job advert.
The postholder will sit at the head of a team of 40 “information rights specialists” that, collectively, undertake more than 300 data-protection impact assessments each year.
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Other responsibilities of the position will include overseeing a department-wide Information Management Team which is expected to ensure “the department’s compliance with the Public Records Act”. The chosen applicant will also manage the work of a central Freedom of Information unit that receives 3,000 information requests per annum.
The advert added: “A key part of the role is forming a constructive working relationship with senior stakeholders within DWP and the Information Commissioner’s Office. Communication skills are key here and the postholder will often have to exercise excellent judgement as to how to present often difficult issues in the clearest and most helpful way.”
The post comes with a salary of £75,000 to £95,000 and can be based in one of the DWP’s locations in Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, or Sheffield.
Applications are open until 11.55pm on 16 September.
