The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join one of the Government’s leading Data Teams. Together, we help the department and wider sector make best use of data whilst maintaining the highest levels of public trust and confidence. The department is responsible for law enforcement and intelligence services’ data protection regimes, and we play a key role in the UK’s data policy, including ensuring that operational partners have the tools they need to keep the nation safe and securing the international flow of data – promoting the UK’s high standards globally. These roles therefore provide an unrivalled chance to shape data protection policy at a national and international level.
We have three roles available in the Data Policy Unit in the Data and Identity Directorate covering both domestic and international policy issues.
The roles will require close collaboration with colleagues across the Home Office; the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, Cabinet Office, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as well as external organisations such as law enforcement, intelligence services, and the Information Commissioner’s Office. It will therefore be important for the job holder to develop a network of professional relationships to extend the influence and reach of the team.
Key Responsibilities
Roles 1 and 2: International Data Policy - The international flow of data underpins every Home Office objective and is critical for law enforcement, national security and effective immigration control. We are looking to recruit a high calibre Senior Policy Officer who is willing to work flexibly to deliver the Government’s objective of maintaining the flow of personal data and ensuring UK law enforcement uphold rigorous standards in their use of data in line with global standards. Working as part of a team the successful candidate will
* Lead operational policy implementation of the international provisions in the new Data (Use and Access) Bill.
* Lead on reviews of current adequate jurisdictions, safeguarding UK data abroad and take a central role in continuing to implement and evolve the process of conducting data assessments.
* Develop policy positions including on use of the transfer mechanisms and cloud hosting and storage - producing relevant guidance and ad hoc advice.
* Engage independently and confidently with officials from other governments in jurisdictions around the world to progress HO data policy objectives in a range of bilateral and multilateral environments.
Role 3: Domestic Data Policy – Data is at the heart of public service and the domestic data policy team ensures that the Home Office, alongside the wider law enforcement sector and intelligence services community, have the tools to harness the benefits of data while mitigating against the risks and harms. We are looking to recruit a resourceful and driven Senior Policy Adviser to drive government priorities on data policy, including:
* Delivering changes to promote and simplify data sharing to the public sector, and reduce burdens on organisations (including police)
* Interpreting and advising on data protection legislation, in particular for immigration, law enforcement and national security purposes
* Delivering legislation to ensure law enforcement can access the digital evidence they need in a safe and proportionate way
* Ensuring that legislation and policies are future-proofed and fit for purpose when interacting with new technologies, including AI.
Working Pattern
Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis. However, compressed hours are available .
Travel
For post holders not based there, regular travel to the main HO D&I hub at 2 Marsham (2MS) London is encouraged to engage with the D&I team. In person attendance at three annual events held in London is required.
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