Data Protection Compliance Manager (Headquarters, Chelmsford)

Essex Police is recruiting a Data Protection Compliance Manager on a temporary basis until December 2027, the end date may be subject to change, to support the delivery of the Force’s data protection audit, assurance and compliance arrangements.

Reporting to the Force Data Protection Officer, the post holder will act as the tactical lead for information-based risk, with a specific focus on personal data breach management - and DPIA management and oversight - across the organisation.

You will also support the day-to-day application of data protection governance, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), information rights activity relating to rectification and deletion, and policy and procedure guidance. The role includes line management of data protection resources and may involve deputising for the Force Data Protection Officer, where appropriate, including supporting force-wide training activity.

Further, the role is also responsible for co-ordinating and delivering a programme of audit and assurance activity, including site visits and compliance-based audits, to identify areas of non-compliance, assess risk, and support proportionate mitigation. Where residual risk remains, the post holder will support escalation through appropriate governance routes, as agreed with the Force DPO., This role is home-based agile, based at Essex Police Headquarters, Chelmsford. The post is worked Monday to Friday, with occasional on-site attendance required to support audit and assurance activity.

What we offer in return

You will work in a role that directly supports public confidence, organisational risk management, and lawful policing practice. The post offers exposure to force-wide governance, senior stakeholders, and complex regulatory issues, alongside opportunities for professional development within a specialist compliance function., * Have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation.

• Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.

Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.

Do you have experience in Microsoft Word?, * Strong working knowledge of data protection legislation, (ideally including practical application within a policing or regulatory environment), and a clear understanding of the roles of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO).

• 2-5 years’ experience working in a data-protection-led environment (i.e. sharing/disclosure of material).
• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership role, demonstrating the ability to coordinate work, set standards, and support others to deliver consistently high-quality outcomes.

In addition, it would be helpful if you could evidence:

• A formal data protection qualification (e.g. BCS Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection). If not currently held, there is an expectation that this would be achieved in role.
• An information security qualification (e.g. BCS CISMP) and/or experience managing information security incidents and personal data breaches, including investigation and mitigation tracking.