Army - Defence Children Services (DCS) IDD Information Manager

Job summary

Are you passionate about directly supporting Defence through outstanding provision of information management, data protection and securing the best outcomes for children?

Would you like to be challenged in a complex information environment?

Then this role may be for you.

Defence Children Services (DCS) is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. Our Vision is that we Educate the Child – Support the Family – Enable the Nation. HQ DCS is UK based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon and has forward deployed staff all over the world. DCS is responsible for the education and care of children of accompanied Service and Defence entitled personnel in MOD schools and settings; provides advice and guidance in respect of education for service families in the United Kingdom and the wider world.

The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. As such using data to aid understanding of our workforce is vital.

This position is advertised as full time at 37 hours per week.

Job description

As the Data Protection, Security and Information Manager, you will lead the delivery of Defence Children Services' (DCS) Information Management Strategy and promote effective information management, data protection and security practices across the organisation. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining the digital information environment, ensuring information is managed effectively, supporting collaboration, and driving compliance with government and legislative requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain business information management architecture across all DCS systems to promote correct IM behaviours and collaborative working.
• Deliver DCS Information Manager responsibilities.
• Provide guidance and direction to help ensure that the organisation’s data infrastructure and electronic ways-of-working adhere to MOD IM and Security direction.
• Understanding and championing user needs in the delivery of internal SharePoint solutions.
• To assess and communicate design decisions and technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Using a risk-based approach, lead the audit and assurance of information assets/content on all digital platforms.
• Ensure the delivery of relevant Information Management, Unit Security and Data Protection advice and guidance to promote best practice across all DCS units.
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection reporting requirements and identify and promote lessons learned from data breaches.
• Process and respond to Data Protection Act (DPA) Subject Access Requests (SAR) concerning children, in accordance with Departmental policy.
• Understand the location of business information assets, the controls in place and their owners. Obtain evidence of information asset reviews.

Person specification

The ideal candidate will have the following Essential skills, knowledge and behaviours

• Demonstrable experience of developing, implementing and maintaining information management systems, digital architectures and governance frameworks, with a strong understanding of Information Management and Data Protection principles.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes to fixed deadlines, securing contributions from a range of stakeholders and maintaining effective collaborative relationships in challenging environments.
• Strong understanding of how technical systems can be leveraged to support best practice in information management, with the ability to influence, guide and lead both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment, promoting professional standards, supporting colleagues and addressing issues promptly and constructively.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to maximise the benefits of Microsoft 365 tools to improve collaboration, information management and business outcomes.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and experience of applying a risk-based approach to audit, assurance and compliance activities across digital platforms and information systems.
• Experience of interpreting organisational policies, guidance and direction from senior stakeholders and translating these into clear, practical advice for diverse audiences.
• Experience of duties pertaining to a Local Data Protection Advisor activities.
• Experience of duties pertaining to a Unit Security Officer.

Personal Qualitites:

The SO2 Information Management & Business Support will possess excellent communication skills and be able to develop and maintain a good working relationship with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. They will adopt an innovative and flexible approach to solving problems, be a self-motivator who can demonstrate initiative and be able to manage to strict and demanding deadlines. They will have high standards of professional integrity, be resilient, determined, confident and energetic. They will be committed to the delivery of excellent customer service, with the ability to adapt the approach as the situation demands and be able to develop a knowledge of a range of subjects.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your curr