Chief Data Office Senior 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 CDO in the management of the NCA’s corporate IM risks.

Job description

As a Senior Officer in the Chief Data Office (CDO) you will be responsible for advising and guiding the wider business to deliver data and information management compliance. Successful candidates will lead 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 - Mitigating information risks 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.

The Chief Data Office (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 involve leading a small team in support of the delivery of a range of key functions which may include:

• Providing leadership, 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 leadership, advice and 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.

Person specification

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with information management and records governance: Maintain ongoing compliance with the agency’s information management and records strategies, ensuring alignment with government standards and industry best practice. This includes monitoring governance frameworks and mitigating risks effectively.
• Ensure compliance with data protection requirements: Ensure 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.
• Provide expert advice on information management and risk: Offer guidance to officers at all levels on information management and records-related matters. Support managers in identifying and evaluating risks and assist in the development of risk registers to ensure consistent and effective risk management.
• Lead governance discussions and decision-making: Chair and contribute to discussions at the Data Risk Working Group and Data Governance Board, ensuring decisions and escalations are managed appropriately and in line with organisational priorities.
• Prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders: Draft clear and accurate reports for internal groups, Boards, Committees, and other stakeholders as required, ensuring information is presented in a structured and accessible format.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships: Build and strengthen relationships with internal teams and external partners, including government departments and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, fostering collaboration and shared best practice.
• Enhance stakeholder engagement across CDO teams: Work closely with Information Asset Owners and allied security functions to maintain and improve engagement, ensuring alignment and effective collaboration across teams.
• Manage staff performance and conduct: Address issues relating to officer performance and conduct in line with NCA values, ensuring fairness and adherence to organisational standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members: Provide effective leadership and coaching to staff, supporting their professional development and fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Provide line management support: Offer relevant support to direct reports and provide cover for colleagues when required, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational effectiveness.
• Identify and manage organisational risk: Proactively identify, prioritise, and manage risks within the scope of information management and records governance, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place.

Person Specification:

• Understanding of information management legislation, and relevant data protection privacy principles: Possesses a sound 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Able to convey complex information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats. Adapts communication style to suit different audiences, ensuring clarity, engagement, and impact when presenting reports, guidance, or recommendations.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels: Builds strong working relationships and communicates in an open, honest, and professional manner. Demonstrates confidence when influencing and collaborating with stakeholders across the Agency, tailoring approach to maximise understanding and achieve shared objectives.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines: Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure. Demonstrates resilience and adaptability by reassessing workloads promptly and maintaining performance standards in dynamic and challenging situations.

Virtual Event

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

Click here to register.

You will be asked for your name and email address.

Registration will close on Tuesday 10th February 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:

• Changing and Improving
• Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Sound understanding of data protection, privacy principles and relevant information management legislation.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,326, National Crime Agency contributes £13,130 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 £13,130. 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 you

Your application will be assessed against the following:Technical - this will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• Sound understanding of information management, data protection and privacy principles.

Experience - This will be assessed:Experience Criteria - will be assessed by 250 word examples on:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and/or external stakeholders

• Experience of managing and prioritising competing demands in line with department and agency Organisational requirements.

A panel will assess how well your application demonstrates the requirements outlined above.Full advert details for this vacancy can found on the advert on the NCA Recruitment Portal. Please follow the link to apply at advertisers' site.

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.

- Sound understanding of information management, data protection and 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

• Leadership

• Changing and Improving

Technical

• Sound understanding of information management, data protection and privacy principles.

Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience of managing and prioritising competing demands in line with department and agency Organisational requirements.

Assessment OutcomeOutcomes will be communicated via the NCA recruitment portal.
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:

1. Lead criteria (behaviours/technical/experience)
2. If still tied, desirable criteria will be assessed (if advertised)
3. If still tied, application sift scores will be used

Feedback is provided only to those who attend an assessment.You will be subject to vetting and pre-employment checks before appointment.Once the vacancy closes, the advert will no longer be accessible. Please save a copy for your records. We encourage all candidates to visit the NCA Careers Page for more information.

Security and Vetting

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is SC Enhanced. All security clearances will be managed by the NCA.For more information on security vetting please visit: UK Security Vetting guidance for applicants and Demystifying Vetting and see our vetting charter at: The Vetting Charter.

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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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@nca.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.