Data Protection Practitioner

Job summary

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The Senior Officer Data Protection Practitioner role sits within CDIO’s Data and Information Governance team within the Office of the Data Protection Officer. This role supports HMRC to meet its statutory data protection and information governance responsibilities by strengthening assurance, risk management, governance and compliance arrangements.

The postholder will provide independent assurance over HMRC’s data protection controls and practices. This includes carrying out audit checks, dip sampling and structured assurance reviews, assessing compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and departmental policy, and identifying risks and opportunities for improvement.

The role involves analysing evidence, interpreting legislation, understanding business processes and providing clear, practical and proportionate advice to colleagues. The postholder will contribute to senior reporting, support continuous improvement of governance and controls, and help strengthen HMRC’s data protection compliance culture.

Job description

The postholder will be able to interpret data protection legislation and translate legal, policy and assurance requirements into clear, practical and actionable advice that supports lawful and well-informed decision making.

They will demonstrate the ability to:

• Recognise and articulate data protection risks clearly, including explaining impacts, controls and recommended actions to senior stakeholders.

• Communicate complex assurance findings effectively to a wide range of audiences, including non-specialists, adapting style and approach to build understanding and influence positive outcomes.

• Provide constructive challenge where appropriate, using evidence and professional judgement to promote consistent and high-quality data protection practice.

• Work collaboratively across teams and the wider organisation, building strong professional relationships and contributing positively to a strong data protection and assurance culture.

• Plan and organise work effectively, maintaining a structured and methodical approach to reviewing evidence and delivering assurance activity.

• Balance competing priorities and adapt to changing demands while maintaining quality, accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and confidence when operating in an independent assurance role.

Show a strong commitment to continuous improvement, using learning from assurance activity to strengthen governance, controls and organisational capability.

Person specification

Key Responsibilities:

Assurance and Risk Responsibilities

• Carry out audit checks, dip sampling and structured assurance reviews to assess compliance with data protection legislation and policy.

• Review evidence and business processes to identify risks, control gaps and opportunities for improvement.

• Contribute to thematic assurance activity and continuous assessment of data protection controls.

• Produce clear, accurate and high-quality assurance reports and written assessments to support senior decision making.

• Identify emerging risks and contribute to assurance priorities and improvement actions.

• Support engagement with senior stakeholders to strengthen governance arrangements and data protection controls.

Shared Responsibilities

• Provide clear, evidence based and proportionate advice to stakeholders at all levels.

• Contribute to improvements in guidance, assurance frameworks and governance processes.

• Support education and awareness raising activity across DIG and the wider organisation.

• Promote consistent and high-quality data protection practice.

• Potential line management or mentoring responsibilities.

Essential Criteria:

• Strong knowledge and interest in data protection, information governance or compliance, with recent experience applying this in an assurance or risk context.

• Experience of interpreting and analysing complex information and producing clear, evidence-based assessments, including audit checks, risk assessments, quality reviews, dip sampling, monitoring or reviewing business processes.

• Experience of assessing compliance against legal, policy or organisational requirements and identifying risks, control gaps and improvement actions.

• Ability to communicate clearly and confidently, providing independent advice and constructive challenge to stakeholders at different levels.

• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to plan work effectively, manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail while delivering under pressure.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools to support analysis, reporting, documentation and day to day delivery.

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to interpret and apply data protection legislation in complex or novel scenarios, including use of relevant ICO guidance.

• Familiarity with recognised assurance, audit or accountability frameworks and how these are applied in large organisations.

• Confidence in completing, reviewing or assuring Data Protection Impact Assessments or similar risk and impact assessments.

• Exposure to enterprise level risk, assurance or governance reporting, including contributing insight that informs senior decision making.

• A recognised data protection or information governance qualification, or active progress towards one, such as the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection, CIPP/E, or an equivalent recognised qualification.

Transitional Sites Information

If your location preference is for the following site, it’s important to note that this is not long-term site for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

This site is:

• Telford Plaza, Telford - moving to Parkside Court, Telford

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Below wording only to be added to vacancies with Leeds location as an option

Leeds Locations

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC’s Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Behaviours

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £45,544, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £13,194 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service

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, Strengths and Experience.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name blind CV covering your last five years of employment. This should include your job titles, a short summary of your responsibilities and any key achievements, up to a maximum of 100 words per role, and any relevant qualifications.

• A personal statement of up to 750 words explaining the data protection skills and experience you bring to this role. You should refer to the Person Specification and explain clearly, through examples, how you meet the Essential Criteria. Using the STAR method may help you structure this effectively.

• If the Desirable Criteria apply to you, you should also provide a short statement of up to 250 words on the application form. This is not mandatory, but it may be taken into account where candidates are scored equally at sift or interview.

Sift

At full sift, your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed against the Essential Criteria and the Person Specification. Candidates who meet the required standard at sift will be invited to interview.

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift will be carried out based on the Personal Statement.

We may adjust the minimum score required at any stage of the process if application numbers are higher than expected.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be asked behaviour-based questions, to explore what you are capable of, and you will also be asked strength-based questions to explore your motivations relevant to the job role.

Behaviour based questions on

• Communicating and Influencing

• Making Effective Decisions and

• Delivering at Pace

will explore how you have demonstrated the required skills and behaviours in previous roles.

You should expect questions that focus on how you convey information clearly, build understanding, adapt your communication style and influence colleagues or stakeholders to support positive outcomes.

This is an example of a strengths-based question:

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Interviews will take place virtually via video link.

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk – Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example – ‘Please re-open my application – [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]’.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You’ll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ‘help’ section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the ‘location preferences’ section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - 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.

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

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).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 : Rachel Jones
• Email : rachel.jones2@hmrc.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles.
In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles.
If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.