Data Goverance Manager
On behalf of the DSTL, we are looking for a Data Governance Manager (Inside IR35) for a 12 Month contract based Remote with occasional travel to Salisbury.
DSTL is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle-winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies. DSTL is one of the principal government organisations dedicated to science and technology in the defence and security field. DSTL supplies specialist and sensitive services to MOD and wider government, working collaboratively with external partners in industry and academia and worldwide, providing expert research, specialist advice and invaluable operational support.
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.
As a Data Governance Manager, your main responsibilities will be:
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement data governance frameworks aligned with Dstl, MOD, and wider government policies.
* Establish assurance processes to ensure compliance with GDPR, the Data Protection Act, and Defence Data Strategy.
* Oversee data ownership and accountability models, promoting clear roles and responsibilities across Dstl.
* Monitor and enforce data governance controls to ensure effective risk management in data handling.
* Ensure alignment with defence and government data standards, including GDS and MOD principles.
* Lead data maturity assessments and provide recommendations to enhance governance and assurance processes.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience in data governance, data management, or information assurance within government, defence, or similarly complex organisations.
* Strong understanding of data protection regulations and frameworks (e.g., GDPR, Data Protection Act, MOD/Defence Data Strategy).
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
* Demonstrated ability to implement governance frameworks and quality assurance controls that improve data security and compliance.
* Experience working collaboratively across departments and with external bodies such as MOD, Cabinet Office, and GDS.
* Commitment to health, safety, environment, and security (HSEP) principles, leading by example and promoting a safe, compliant, and supportive work environment.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSTL guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
DSTL guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.