Data Protection Advisor - 35019

Data Protection Advisor - 35019
1
National
Various
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Knowledge & Information Management
Full Time
£43,198 Pro Rata

14/05/2026, 23:55 hours

BS05 Job Family Role Profile Business Support Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies.
As a Data Protection adviser, you will act as a specialist within the organisation, providing expert advice and support on all matters relating to personal data. You will play a key role in enabling the Environment Agency to meet its legal obligations and business objectives by ensuring data protection is embedded across the business.


Under direction from the Data Protection Manager, you will work independently within defined practices, using your judgement to interpret legislation, assess risks, and resolve varied data protection issues and queries. Your work will support the delivery of business services and contribute to our wider environmental mission.


The responsibilities for this role include:
• providing professional, expert advice to colleagues across the organisation on data protection compliance, risks, and best practice
• managing and responding to requests from individuals exercising their data protection rights and advising on personal data aspects of other information requests
• investigating personal data security incidents and advising on mitigation
• developing, reviewing, and maintaining policies, procedures, training and guidance to ensure consistent and compliant handling of personal data
• influencing and supporting teams to adopt data protection by design and by default in their processes and projects
• building and maintaining effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external networks
• contributing to or leading transformational projects and continuous improvement initiatives relating to data protection and information governance
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role, responding to incidents or providing business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available to support you with your incident role.

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—clearly, efficiently, and sustainably. We’re a friendly, supportive team spread across the country, working together to make a real impact.
Essential: 
* Holding or working towards a recognised data protection practitioner qualification, such as BCS, IAPP, or PDP. 
*Technical knowledge and practical experience in data protection 
*Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work at pace and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy in your work 
*Strong organisational skills to manage a busy workload, balance competing deadlines, and work effectively with uncertainty or changing priorities 
*Excellent communication and coaching skills, explaining complex information clearly and supporting others to build their understanding 
*Strong stakeholder engagement skills to build trusted relationships and influence others to achieve positive outcomes 
*A commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement 
*A collaborative approach, with a focus on teamwork and shared success 
 
Desirable: 
Any experience in: 
*Project management 
*Information governance 
*Risk and compliance 
*Working within a large public sector organisation 
*Working in SharePoint 
*Finding creative and effective solutions to complex or sensitive issues 
Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training, support and equipment needed. In this national role, you can work flexibly in one of over 50 offices across England. Most of our work occurs virtually, we encourage blended home (UK) and office working. Some national travel is required to attend meetings and training, typically monthly. For more information about working for us please read the candidate pack and additional information document.
For questions relating to this role, please contact eleanor.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will likely take place week commencing 25 May, via MS Teams.
If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Up to 13/04/2027
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description  

Find and deliver optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. 
 
Provide an example of a situation when you have identified and implemented a solution to a data protection problem or issue. Explain how you decided on the solution, and the outcome.
 
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. 

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert.
Influences and Persuades Others
Description  

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.

Provide an example of a situation where you have needed to influence key people to deliver to a deadline, in the face of considerable challenge. Explain how you influenced them, what was the challenge, and what you achieved.

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.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert.
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description  

Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods or processes, without compromising quality or accuracy.

Provide an example of an opportunity you have taken to improve ways of working for yourself and your team. Explain how you demonstrated your focus on efficiency, innovation and quality in your answer.

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.

A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert.
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.

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.

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 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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.