Head of Data Protection Policy and Police Support

Head of Data Protection Policy and Police Support
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 1st September 2026
📍 Location: Swansea (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
💷 Salary: £57,515 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
🏆️ Available Positions: 1
The Data Protection Policy team plays a vital role in supporting the DVLA's engagement with ministers, the Department for Transport (DfT), and wider government stakeholders. Working at the centre of strategic decision-making, the team provides high-quality policy advice, and contributes to ministerial briefings and other sensitive correspondence that supports government and agency priorities.
You will lead the strategic direction of the Data Protection Policy and Police Support teams, providing expert advice and guidance on complex and high-profile issues. Build and manage effective relationships with ministers, senior officials, and key stakeholders to support policy development and legislative change. Ensure the delivery of accurate, timely, and impactful briefings, advice, and communications, representing the DVLA professionally in a fast-paced and politically aware environment. You will also manage the provision of critical services relied on by important government stakeholders.
Top Responsibilities
* Leading the Data Protection Policy and Police Support teams, acting as the key contact within the Agency and ensuring the delivery of high quality, accurate and timely policy advice, briefings, parliamentary responses, sensitive correspondence in line with DfT protocols, and delivery of key operational services.
* Lead the development and delivery of policy and strategic initiatives, providing expert advice, engaging with stakeholders across government, and ensuring policies support Agency and government priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.
* To provide leadership on the strategic direction of data protection policy and act as the champion for policy changes, working closely with relevant cross-agency colleagues. To provide guidance and direction to own teams about the requirements for new polices/initiatives.
* Lead workforce planning and team development, ensuring resources, skills and capabilities are effectively managed to deliver directorate priorities and objectives.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
Benefits
* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
* 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
* Access to the staff discount portal.
* Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
* Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
* 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
* Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
* Experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with senior stakeholders. This could include senior officials, senior civil servants, ministers' offices, or external partners in the Civil Service and public sector, and equivalent roles in the private sector like Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Managing Directors and Heads of Department. Ability to influence outcomes and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
* Experience of developing, implementing, or influencing policy, supported by sound analysis and a strong understanding of the wider political environment. Ability to provide strategic advice that aligns with government and organisational priorities.
* Experience of drafting, coordinating, or quality assuring high-quality ministerial submissions, briefings, parliamentary responses, or sensitive correspondence. Demonstrable strong written communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
* Experience of leading and developing teams, managing competing priorities, and ensuring resources are effectively deployed to deliver strategic objectives and high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience of identifying, managing, and mitigating risks, ensuring compliance with governance requirements and organisational policies. Awareness of data protection principles and experience of handling sensitive information appropriately would be beneficial.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake appropriate training in data protection disciplines as needed, and hold or be prepared to gain industry standard qualifications in this field. In this case, a willingness to undertake such training is required.
How to Apply
👉 Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided.
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Tuesday 1st September 2026