Deputy Data Protection Officer

£56,375 to £69,105 per year, National: £56,375 - £62,830. London: £62,000 - £69,105. For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading 'Salary'. For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading 'Salary'.

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

Yes

Closing Date:

11/12/2025

About this job

This is a Grade 7 data protection role in the Office of the Data Protection Officer (DPO). You will support the DPO in the delivery of their functions as set out in UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPO provides advice and guidance on data protection matters within Defra Group.

This is a busy and challenging role that continues to evolve as we seek to continuously improve our data protection compliance across 8 organisations (Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Natural England (NE), Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and core Defra). As well as developing your data protection expertise you will need to build effective working relationships at all levels across Defra Group.

You will also deputise on occasion for the DPO. You will also provide support for colleagues across Defra Group potentially also working within other areas and organisations as necessary.

You will perform the functions of the Deputy Data Protection Officer.

The DPO role is set out in UK GDPR but the focus is on developing a high level of data protection expertise, providing advice and guidance, undertaking activity to improve data protection compliance and covering for the DPO as required.

This role suits an individual who can work autonomously, is comfortable taking responsibility for decisions, can identify opportunities to improve compliance and has the ability to deliver those improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously developing your data protection knowledge and expertise
• Providing advice and guidance to colleagues
• Performing an assurance function across Defra Group in relation to data protection compliance
• Taking responsibility for delivering distinct areas of work, with support and when ready
• Providing cover for the DPO when they are absent
• Providing support to colleagues across Defra when required

Please note this role can be based at any Defra office listed in this advert, where there is capacity.

Travel to other sites and overnight stays may be required for meetings or training events.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme