Data Protection Specialist 5 views

Are you experienced in data protection?

Do you have risk management experience?

Would you like to support and deputise for the Head of Data Protection, ensuring that provision of expert data protection advice to the organisation is delivered in a timely and compliant manner?
 
If so, we are looking for a Data Protection Specialist to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we’d love to hear from you! 

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.   

Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas. 

Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams.

We want everyone to feel valued and supported to achieve their potential at MCA.

This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing and volunteer Respect Ambassadors.

Whilst we welcome applications from candidates seeking part time/flexible working hours, there will be a business requirement for candidates to work a minimum of 30 hours for specific locations. For further information please contact HR.Resourcing@mcga.gov.uk

Who are the Data Protection Team? 

The Data Protection team works as part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA’s) Corporate Governance framework to inform the Agency’s compliance with Data Protection and Information Access Legislations.

The team provides independent, expert advice and guidance to the Agency, its staff, volunteers and third parties. The team act as a point of contact for individuals whose personal data the MCA process and ensure lawful and compliant processing and disclosure of personal information under the relevant legislations.

The function acts to ensure that the MCA’s Executive Officers and Board are adequately informed and advised of Data Protection and Information Access risks, best practice and relevant updates or changes to the regulatory landscape. 

What is the purpose of a Data Protection Specialist? 

The Data Protection Specialist will support and deputise for the Head of Data Protection, ensuring that provision of expert data protection advice to the organisation is delivered in a timely and compliant manner.

The role will support the Head of Data Protection in carrying out the delegated statutory tasks of the Department for Transport (DfT) Data Protection Officer (DPO), to facilitate and support the MCA’s compliance with Data Protection Legislations, ensuring a sensible and proportionate approach is taken to help the department do its business in a way that inspires staff and public trust and confidence.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process, ensuring the agency undertakes DPIAs when required. Advise on and assess risks identified in Data Protection Impact Assessments, working with stakeholders to mitigate risks. Assist in the management of referrals to the DPO and Information Commissioner Office (ICO) where residual risk remains high.
• Manage the Data Protection risk register identifying data protection compliance risks alongside other business risks. Escalating these risks to the Head of Data Protection, the DPO and MCA Senior Information Responsible Officer (SIRO) in accordance with internal risk escalation procedures.
• Maintain the record of processing activities (ROPA) log, ensuring capture and record of associated privacy notices, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), Data Sharing Agreements and compliance activities that relate to the processing activity.
• Assist the Head of Data Protection in responding to formal complaints received from data subjects, managing the logging and recording of complaints processed and assisting with complaint investigations.
• Review and maintain the MCA’s Privacy Notices, ensuring data subjects are accurately informed about MCA processing and the rights available to them. Ensuring relevant and accessible Privacy Notices are in place where required.
• Monitor compliance with data protection legislations for the MCA, undertaking regular audit activities to assess the MCA’s protection of personal data, including the assignment of responsibilities, awareness raising and training of staff involved in processing activities. Provide regular data protection compliance updates to the Head of Data Protection for representation to the DPO and the MCA SIRO. Highlight areas of concern and assist in preparing action and mitigation plans.

For further information about the role and responsibilities, please see the attached role profile.

About You

To be successful as a Data Protection Specialist, you will have:

• Considerable experience in data protection, successfully obtained Data Protection Practitioners Certificate, or have sufficient comparable prior experience and knowledge to undertake this soon after starting the role.
• Experience in information security principals and standards and be able to apply this alongside data protection legislation to advise data and security professionals in developing data management standards and processes.
• A history of working collaboratively and inclusively with external organisations and other stakeholders, sharing information and knowledge to achieve common aims.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, highly skilled in the delivery and absorption of information with colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking ability, particularly with regard to delivery of training and reporting to senior executives.
• A background in managing diverse teams of people, motivating them to deliver challenging and sometimes conflicting objectives.
• Experience in information access legislation; the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the subject access provisions under UK GDPR/ DPA and the exemptions and application of those requirements.
• Understanding of the information access and data protection regimes, including understanding of records management regulations and best practices.
• Experience in risk management methodologies.

Additional Information

This role will be based in the Southampton HQ (or relevant office).  MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.

The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.