Chief Data Office Officer
Job summary
Information about the Command
Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT), supports NCA operational commands with how we exploit data and to ensure the NCA uses the best technology platforms with the right tools and applications to further enable the NCA to protect the public from serious and organised crime. We are responsible for defining and delivering our data and technology strategy, policy and architecture, and building and sustaining resilient services which are critical to our mission success.
The pace of change within the digital and tech world means we need to be agile and innovative in how we respond to threats while exploiting the opportunities this presents.
Information about the Business Area
The Chief Data Office (CDO) is the accountable lead for the NCA’s relationship with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The business area provides specialist advice and guidance on all areas of data and information management. The CDO is responsible for corporate Information Management (IM), managing the NCA’s corporate record, setting the IM Policy for the NCA, and supporting the Chief Data Officer in the management of the NCA’s corporate IM risks.
Job description
As an Officer in the CDO you will be responsible for responding to demand from the wider business and delivering data and information management-based tasks. Successful candidates will support their teams to deliver Key Performance Indicators, in line with legislative obligations, including the Data Protection Act, Crime and Courts Act, Public Records Act, Police Information and Records Management Code of Practice, and other applicable legislation. This supports the mitigation of information and specific data protection related risks across the NCA. The CDO is an integral part of the wider Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) directorate. Together we play a fundamental part in helping to shape the future of the NCA.
As a member of the CDO you will play an integral role in the maintenance of the NCA’s Information Management and Data Protection compliance. Your role will support the delivery of a range of key functions, which may include:
- Providing advice and support on Data Protection Governance documents, Personal Data Breaches (PDBs), Data Subject Access Requests, National System Audits, Information Risks. Developing and implementing processes that enhance Knowledge and Information Management capabilities.
- The provision of support to the NCA’s most innovative projects to enable cutting-edge ways of processing and managing its data.
All of our roles align with the Government Knowledge & Information Management Profession framework.
This is a really exciting time to join our team as the NCA expands into new technologies to enhance its data exploitation capabilities and enables a more data driven approach to protecting the public from serious and organised crime. Successful candidates will help to ensure that these techniques stand up to scrutiny and comply with legislative standards.
Our roles co-ordinate and deliver efficient information and data tasks that are required to take place across the agency to ensure information management compliance. Successful candidates will support our teams, helping us to manage the NCA corporate record and information holdings, whilst ensuring the agency can confidently identify, discharge and comply with its legal information management responsibilities.
Our roles are a great opportunity for people with a passion for information management, its governance, risks and compliance; and who are wanting a future career in developing those professional skills and knowledge further.
Successful candidates should be willing to flex within the team to support business objectives where needed.
Person specification
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with information management and records governance: Support the implementation of information management and records strategies to maintain compliance with governance and risk requirements. Ensure processes align with organisational standards and best practice.
- Ensure compliance with data protection requirements: Support compliance with data protection requirements and the work of the Data Protection Officer in the delivery of their obligations. This work involves delivering technical and case related advice to officers which complies with best practice and guidance.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records: Assist in keeping the agency’s information management systems current and effective, ensuring they meet government standards and industry best practice.
- Provide guidance on information management and risk: Offer advice to officers on information management and records-related matters. Help them identify and evaluate risks and support managers in maintaining accurate risk registers.
- Support governance meetings and decision-making: Assist with discussions and escalations at the Data Risk Working Group and Data Governance Board, ensuring accurate information is available to inform decisions.
- Assist in preparing reports for stakeholders: Contribute to drafting reports for internal groups, Boards, Committees, and other stakeholders, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all documentation.
- Present data and insights effectively: Help visualise and present information management and records issues using graphs, statistics, and narrative. Support senior stakeholders by providing clear and concise written and verbal updates.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships: Work with internal teams and external partners, including government departments and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, to foster positive and productive relationships
- Enhance engagement across CDO teams: Support engagement activities with Information Asset Owners and allied security functions to ensure effective collaboration and alignment across teams.
- Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles. Has a basic understanding of information management regulations, data protection laws and privacy principles. Applies this knowledge to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and provide informed advice on governance and best practice.
- Good verbal and written communication skills: Able to communicate clearly and accurately in both written and verbal formats. Ensures information is presented in a way that is easy to understand, supporting effective collaboration and reporting.
- Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels: Builds positive working relationships and communicates in a professional and approachable manner. Adapts communication style to suit different audiences across the Agency to achieve shared objectives.
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines: Demonstrates ability to manage competing priorities and deliver tasks within agreed timeframes. Shows resilience and flexibility when responding to changing demands in a dynamic work setting.
To find out more about the role and the application process we will be holding virtual opening evenings via MS Teams on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 6pm (Duration 1hr).
This event is by invitation only.
To register, please click on the following link
You will be asked for your name and email address.
Registration will close on Tuesday 10th February 2026 at Midday.
You will not be able to register after this date and time.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £36,057, National Crime Agency contributes £10,445 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.All NCA employees are members of the UK Civil Service and eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme, alongside your salary the NCA contributes £10,445. Further information on the benefits of the scheme is available on the Civil Service Pension Website.
New entrants to the NCA receive 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 on completion of 5 years continuous service, plus 8 bank holidays.
If qualifying criteria is met new joiners from UK Police Forces or the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) will have service with those employers taken into account for continuous service purposes for annual leave entitlement only, this will be up to a maximum of 31 days leave (including 1 privilege day).
Other benefits include:
- Flexible working, including flexi-time, compressed hours and job sharing (in line with business requirements)
- Family friendly policies, notably above the statutory minimum
- Learning and Development opportunities
- Interest free loans and advances, including season tickets, childcare and rental deposits
- Housing schemes - Key Worker status
- Discounts and Savings with a wide variety of services including Cycle to Work, Smart Tech schemes, dental insurance, gym discounts and savings on everyday spending, available through the Reward Gateway , Edenred and Blue Light Card schemes.
- Staff support groups/networks
- Sports and social activities, including membership to the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)
Further information is available on the NCA Website.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.How we will assess youYour application will be assessed against the following:Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:- Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to engage with varying levels of internal stakeholder from across the organisation
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment and working to tight deadlines
Longlist
In the event of a high number of applications, we may operate a longlist. Applicants will need to meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria.
- Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles .
Candidates who do not meet the minimum pass mark for the lead criteria will not progress to having their other criteria assessed. Applications must meet the minimum criteria to be progressed to the assessment stage.
You will receive an acknowledgement once your application is submitted.
We aim to have sift completed and scores released within 10 working days of the closing date of the advert. For high volume campaigns this timeframe may be extended.
Scores will be provided but further feedback will not be available at this stage.
For guidance on the application process, visit:NCA Applying and Onboarding
Assessment 1
The format of this assessment will be Interview which will be tested on the criteria listed in the Success Profiles at Assessment section.
Success Profiles at Assessment
Behaviours- Working Together
- Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to engage with varying levels of internal stakeholder from across the organisation
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment and working to tight deadline
If successful but no role is immediately available, you may be placed on a reserve list for 12 months.
Reserve lists can be used to fill similar role types across the Agency where the assessment criteria is considered a match by the recruitment team and the business area.
In the event of a tie at the assessment stage, available roles will be offered in merit order using the following order:
- Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
- If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
- If still tied, application sift scores will be used
Vetting requirements - SC Enhanced
Prior to commencing the role, you will need to successfully complete SC Enhanced clearance. The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years.Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.For further information on National Security Vetting checks please visit the following page Demystifying VettingIndividuals will be required to undertake and pass a substance misuse test as part of pre-employment checks.Occupational Health
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake an occupational health assessment. Depending on the role an in-person medical may be required in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.Things you need to know
Multi Location
Where multiple locations are advertised, appointments will be made in merit order per location.
Indicate your preferences clearly; you may be posted to any preferred location. If you decline a post at a location you selected, another offer may not be made.
Only advertised locations are available, any notes added to the application will not be considered.
Near Miss
If you meet the criteria for a lower grade, you may be offered that role if not appointable at the advertised grade.
Conversely, if found appointable at a higher grade but no posts are available, you may be offered a lower-grade role.
All offers are made based on merit.
Hybrid Working
The NCA supports hybrid working. The extent of remote working will depend on the role and can be discussed at the offer stage.Reasonable Adjustments
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive, equal opportunities employer.
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. If you’re neurodiverse, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.
If you experience accessibility issues with the advert or require reasonable adjustments, please contact our Recruitment Team at Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk before the advert closing date.
Please ensure you complete the ‘Equal opportunities’ and 'Reasonable Adjustments' sections in the application form to inform us on what support you may need in the recruitment process.
For more on our Disability Confident commitment, visit Disability Confident Scheme , Civil Service Careers.
Visit NCA Benefits and Support for more details.
Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
In order to monitor the effectiveness of the National Crime Agency's Diversity & Inclusion strategy, we require certain personal details about you on submission of your application for statistical and monitoring purposes only. Please note that this will be treated in confidence and will not impact your application.
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.Working for the NCA
The National Crime Agency is a 24/7 organisation, and working patterns must support business requirements. Some roles may require you to respond at short notice or outside of core hours.If preferable, alternative contract types may be available. Please review the green bar of this advert to view all available contract types for this role. Where Loan or Secondment options are available, these would be for existing Civil Servants (Loan) and applicants from accredited Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) or any other employer (Secondment). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.If you have any specific queries about the role that are not covered by the advert, please contact:Name : Central Recruitment Team
Email : Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : central.recruitment.gov.uk
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : central.recruitment@nca.gov.uk
Further information
If you believe your application has not been treated fairly, email: Central.Recruitment@nca.gov.uk (quoting the vacancy reference).If unresolved, you may escalate your complaint to the Civil Service Commission.
Salary range
- £36,057 per year