Data Privacy Specialist

Stratford, England, United Kingdom

1/29/2025

Credible and strong data privacy. Cross-functional collaboration. Impacting the future.

Data Privacy Specialist

£40,000 - £45,000 (+ Benefits)

Department: Chief Operating Office

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Closing date: 11 February 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: One competency-based interview

Interview date: From the week commencing 10 and 24 February 2025 (we will be shortlisting on a rolling basis so please do not delay in applying)

How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

Our Chief Operating Office is crucial in engaging and inspiring Cancer Research UK’s employees. By delivering exceptional operational management and transformation, we strive to become an inclusive and agile organisation. We aim to be the hub for operational management by ensuring effective governance, prioritisation, and efficiency in all we do.

As part of our Technology Directorate, the Data Privacy team plays an essential role in this mission by ensuring everyone in the charity knows how to handle personal data lawfully and safely, ultimately protecting us from data risks. This involves embedding a data protection and security workplace culture by implementing secure data controls, policies, and best practices across the organisation.

As a Data Privacy Specialist, you will join our Fundraising & Trading portfolio which uses a range of products to collect, store and manage data from approximately 15-20 million supporters. In this role, you will be the go-to expert on data privacy, ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and UK General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). You will oversee the appropriate collection, storage, access, use, and disposal of personal data while training and mentoring staff and addressing internal and external information requests and queries.

If you are a Data Protection Specialist with experience advising on data protection regulations and a deep understanding of customer/supporter data privacy, we’d love for you to join us in our mission.

What will I be doing?

• Supporting the maintenance of Cancer Research UK’s Records of Processing system, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Partnering with Fundraising & Trading teams to keep records up-to-date and compliant.
• Overseeing the Data Custodians network the Data Custodians network, establishing strong business partnering arrangements between the Privacy Team and the broader organisation.
• Developing key reporting metrics (including lagging and leading indicators of risk) and providing regular, concise, and timely privacy data reports to senior stakeholders.
• Maintaining a high profile for Data Protection & Security by collaborating with senior managers to foster a culture that values and protects information throughout the organisation.
• Assisting in developing and maintaining effective Data Protection policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Investigating data security and compliance breaches and handling supporter complaints (including monitoring remedial actions).
• Managing and responding to information requests from the public and official bodies (e.g. the police).
• Providing expert, practical advice and guidance on the use, storage, and security of personal data across the charity within agreed SLAs. This involves:
• Mapping personal data flows and conducting risk assessments of data processing.
• Collaborating with delivery teams to ensure new projects meet compliance requirements and undertaking data protection impact assessments.
• Collaborating with Legal and Information Security to ensure supplier and partner contracts comply with data protection laws.
• Ensuring that data subject preferences are appropriately respected.
• Developing and delivering data protection training for all employees.
• Promoting awareness and understanding of data protection policies, guidance, and procedures.
• Conducting research and horizon scanning, keeping the Head of Data Privacy informed of any potential or planned changes in the external environment (e.g., legal and regulatory changes affecting data protection or information management).
• Mentoring and supporting other members of the Privacy team.
  
  

What skills will I need?

• Experienced Data Privacy Specialist/Advisor with in-depth knowledge and experience advising on General Data Protection Regulations and the Data Protection Act.
• Demonstrable understanding of customer/supporter data privacy with the ability to advise on compliance and handle complaints.
• Experience in B2C or customer-facing environments (such as Fundraising, Marketing, or Trading) is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to:
• Explain complex data privacy concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Influence stakeholders to adhere to relevant policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Highlight, challenge, and escalate data risks.
• Collaborate closely with Technology teams.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation, and planning skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and navigate ambiguity.
  
  

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Additional Information

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact [email protected] or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.