Job Description
We want our organisation to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome people from all backgrounds and support flexible working, including job sharing. Please tell us in your application how you’d like to work. This is a full‑time assignment covering maternity leave for 12 months.
As a senior specialist leading the Data Protection team, you will manage complex matters relating to personal data. You will provide expert advice across the organisation to manage our data protection risks and meet our legal obligations. Your work will influence decision‑making at senior levels and support the Environment Agency’s wider goals.
You will work autonomously within policy frameworks, using your judgement and applying your deep understanding of data protection legislation to new and varied scenarios, assessing risk, and recommending appropriate actions to resolve complex data protection issues in line with business priorities and objectives.
Responsibilities
* Acting as the organisation’s subject matter expert on all aspects of data protection, managing complex casework, complaints and directly supporting the Data Protection Officer
* Providing strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders, teams, and partners on their processing of personal data
* Leading on data protection advice for complex or sensitive requests, including applying the personal data exemptions to Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations requests, and requests for personal data for law enforcement purposes
* Commissioning and reviewing policies, procedures, training and guidance to ensure consistent and compliant handling of personal data
* Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support effective collaboration and risk management
* Contributing to the planning and delivery of strategic priorities, including through project leadership or specialist input to transformation initiatives
* Supporting the development of data protection capability in the team and across the organisation through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing
The team
You’ll join the Data Protection team, part of Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) within the Data and Information department. Alongside our Knowledge and Records Management colleagues, we shape how the Environment Agency manages information. We’re a friendly, supportive team spread across the country, working together to make a real impact.
You will line manage a small team of Data Protection advisers and work closely with the Data Protection Officer and Information Law team.
Experience / Skills Required
Essential
Hold a recognised DP practitioner qualification, e.g. BCS, IAPP, or PDP.
* Significant and varied experience in a data protection role
* Proven ability to build and influence relationships across a range of stakeholders, balancing multiple perspectives and securing consensus to deliver results through others
* Demonstrated leadership in implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges, managing organisational priorities in high‑risk or reputationally sensitive matters
* A clear commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement, contributing to a culture of learning and collaboration
* Excellent communication and technical coaching skills, ability to support team members
* Flexibility and resilience to manage and adapt to changing priorities and demands, managing a busy workload, while maintaining focus on efficiency and quality
* Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, leading confidently through uncertainty and complexity
* Ability to balance attention to detail with seeing the bigger picture
Desirable Experience
* Working within a large public sector organisation
* Compliance monitoring and reporting
* Line management
Contact and Additional Information
In this national role, you can work flexibly in one of over 50 offices across England. Much of our work occurs virtually, we encourage blended home and office working. Some travel will be required to attend meetings/training. For more information about working for us please read the candidate pack and additional information document.
For questions relating to this role, please contact Sally Williams sally.williams@environment-agency.gov.uk
This vacancy closes on 5th March 2026. Interviews will likely take place week commencing 16th March, via MS Teams.
If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and we may offer you an alternative post.
Internal applicants will need their line manager’s permission to apply for an assignment opportunity.
Length of contract
Up to 12 months
Competence 1
Delivers Results Through Others
Harness the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Describe a time where you successfully secured others’ commitment to deliver work to the required standard. How did you monitor and ensure progress to a high quality?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 2
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Describe a work situation where you succeeded in influencing others to change their position or approach. How did you do this?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 3
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods or processes, without compromising quality or accuracy.
Please tell us about a time that you have developed and implemented improvements to an approach or process for a team or an organisation.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Role specific professional membership requirements
Candidates must hold a recognised data protection practitioner qualification such as BCS, IAPP, PDP.
Other Employment Considerations
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
Equal Opportunity
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Contracting framework notice
The Environment Agency, as a Non‑Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial Intelligence Statement
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. Although the Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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