Data Sharing Legislation Advisor

You will be part of CDDO and the Data Strategy and Standards (DS&S) Directorate at an exciting time as we build a new data governance and policy function and establish a Data Architecture Design Authority to sit alongside the established Data Standards Authority. 

Our team has some big ambitions. We want to improve services for end users and improve how new policies are developed through the effective use and reuse of data. A key part of that will be to establish data governance that is appropriate for system-wide and cross-government adoption, underpinned by agreed principles, policies and standards. We need great people to make that happen. 

One of areas of focus is supporting responsible, trusted and timely data sharing across government through the right legal gateways.  

The Data Sharing Legislation Advisor role sits in the Data Governance stream of the Data Strategy and Standards directorate, primarily working as part of a small team to enhance and expand data sharing legislation to make use of data across departments and the wider public sector faster and easier. This role also provides ad hoc support to the rest of the directorate where policy skills and support are needed.  

The post holder will report to the G7 Data Sharing Legislation lead, and will work closely with the Deputy Director Data Governance on the boards, steering and working groups related to the Digital Economy Act 2017. They will play a key role in developing the secondary legislation to deliver cross government policy objectives,  support its implementation, and work closely with our stakeholders and partners, both internal and external. They will be responsible for maintaining a statutory register of data shares. 

As a Data Sharing Legislation Advisor you’ll: 

•  work with colleagues internally and across government on a wide-range of topical, and high-impact data policy and legislation work streams
• play  a key role in CDDO’s coordination of government data policy, standards & guidance work across Whitehall. The post holder will be required to build positive working relationships with a wide range of teams, other government departments (OGDs) and devolved administrations
• provide  effective support to the Public Service Delivery Review Board, Digital Economy Act 2017 Policy Leads and other cross-government data sharing networks
• providing advice, organising stakeholder events, producing regular written policy and communications updates and briefing papers and raising the profile of data sharing across HMG
• work across HMG to identify areas of opportunity and good practice to inform the development of data sharing policy and programme plans
• own  the development of data sharing policy and legislative programme plans to support HMG’s priorities for the better use of data
• maintain engagement with external stakeholders to ensure knowledge and ideas are brought into data policy making.
• maintain  the statutory public register of data shares (lead responsibility)

You will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively on a range of projects where your expertise and skills are needed and will support a culture of agile working across your team.

Person specification

This role is focused on policy formation and the implementation of legislation, including a sound understanding of data protection legislation and how it can support effective data sharing. It will entail future development work, as required. A blend of data and policy knowledge is needed. This role requires:

• understanding of policy development and implementation within government
• an understanding of government and parliamentary processes
• an interest in technology and how the government can use digital technology, data and innovation to enhance the lives of citizens
• good written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills and the ability to  draft a variety of policy documents and present complex information to a range of audiences
• analytical skills and using data to reach sound business decisions including identifying issues and seeking mitigation or solutions
• high standard of interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and with stakeholders at various levels across the organisation and within OGDs
• ability to work in a flexible and agile way to support the development of, and to make use of current technology

Benefits

The benefits of working at CDDO

There are many benefits including:

• flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
• a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days 
• an extra day off for The Kings birthday
• an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
• career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
• paid volunteering leave 
• a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
• advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
• death in service benefits
• cycle to work scheme and facilities
• access to children's holiday play schemes across different locations in central London
• access to an employee discounts scheme
• 10 learning days per year
• volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
• access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning

CDDO offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home and also spends some time in their local office. You’ll agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.

Any move to the Central Digital and Data Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Things you need to know

Selection process details

The standard selection process for roles at CDDO consists of:

• a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV and cover letter of up to 750 words. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “person specification” section above
• a 60 minute video interview

Depending on how many applications we get, there might also be an extra stage before the video interview, for example a phone interview or a technical exercise.

In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We’ll be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.

For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours: 

• delivering at pace
• communicating and influencing
• working together
• making effective decisions

Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.