Job Description

Job Introduction

The Data Protection Assistant will support the workload and responsibilities of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure compliance with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Working under the supervision and management of the DPO they will be responsible for identifying privacy-related risks and the management of the same, together with developing policy and compliance documentation and raising awareness across the SCS JV.

More about the role


Working as part of the Business Integrity and Legal (BIL) team, the Data Protection Assistant will report to the DPO and will be an ambassador for the team.


The role will be delivered on a part time basis, 2-3 days (16 - 24 hrs) per week.

The successful candidate


Whilst knowledge of data protection law and practice would be advantageous, this is not essential providing the candidate can demonstrate legal work experience and qualifications, for example a law degree or LPC certification.


In assessing competing workstreams, they will be able to work in accordance with priorities agreed with the DPO. They will have the confidence to find a way through a complex organisation to fact find and problem solve.


They will be pro-active, with an appreciation of the need to help deliver management or mitigation measures in response to identified risks. Working closely with business users, they will be ready to 'roll up their sleeves' and fix shared problems, rather than advising at arm's length.


They will be highly organised and an excellent communicator, supporting effective reporting to, and over-sight from, senior management.


Finally, they will enjoy working in a fast-paced and complex commercial environment and will bring energy and commitment to the role.

Flexible working:

We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.


Main Responsibilities
Supporting the DPO and the project to ensure compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and other applicable data protection laws and regulations (including the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill when it becomes law). Monitoring developments in relevant law, regulation, policy, guidance and codes of practice. Enhancing existing policies, plans and procedures, and supporting the creation of new ones where appropriate. Updating and maintaining records of processing. Managing data protection impact assessments and addressing the risks identified. Handling data subject access requests. Delivering training and raising awareness. Working closely with the information security and people teams to ensure compliance. Supporting the DPO to manage any data breaches, identify root causes, mitigate risks and prevent reoccurrence. Supporting SCS's audit programme with audits related to data protection compliance.

The Ideal Candidate
A recognised data protection qualification from a reputable provider would be beneficial but is not essential. Genuine interest of working in a legal role and of learning about privacy law. Proven paralegal experience in a commercial business environment. Excellent file management skills, with a good working knowledge of SharePoint being advantageous. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent attention to detail. An ability to work well with others - irrespective of their role or experience of data protection. Working knowledge of ISO 27001 and 27701 is beneficial, but not essential.

About The Company

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK's new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK's 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services


The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.


You'll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join our EDI Champions program or support the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador).


Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.


HS2 - working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity. Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR) and will be reported to HS2.


It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use", OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture 's operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project. Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. we do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation


SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

Please see the disability confident commitments:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-guidance-for-levels-1-2-and-3/level-1-disability-confident-committed

To be considered for an interview under this scheme you have:

A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term effect (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities*
Demonstrated in your application and pre-interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role*