Information Governance & Data Protection Caseworker Ref 3721
Location: Cheltenham
Closing Date: 23:00 on Tuesday 26th May 2026
Salary: £37,892, comprising a basic salary of £35,134 plus a concessionary payment of £2,758.
Description
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage. At GCHQ, you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that places emphasis on teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Ensure GCHQ’s handling of personal data is secure, lawful and compliant with legislation.
- Complete data protection casework, respond to internal and external enquiries, carry out sensitivity reviews and develop compliance arrangements.
- Manage a caseload of data and information requests, review sensitive material for redaction, and keep colleagues informed throughout the process.
- Investigate and provide responses to data breaches, support teams in managing data effectively through training and guidance.
- Provide responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Whitehall when required.
- Travel to London on an ad‑hoc basis as needed.
Eligibility
To be considered for this role you must: be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality; possess the highest level of security clearance, i.e. Developed Vetting (DV); and comply with a strict drugs policy.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum Level 3 qualification (e.g., A‑level or equivalent in Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM, or other disciplines).
- Applicants with a degree or higher qualification are encouraged.
- Relevant experience working with GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), or in information management or regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with subject access requests, data breach management, and information disclosure processes.
- Proven ability to assess, redact, and protect highly sensitive material and to advise others on lawful data management.
- Sound judgement, discretion, integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Effective communication skills to explain complex data protection and information access requirements to a range of stakeholders.
Training and Development
The role offers structured on‑the‑job training during the initial period, opportunities to shadow experienced colleagues and to gradually take responsibility for casework. You will also have access to departmental training courses on data protection, security, and organisational processes, and may attend external courses or workshops when appropriate.
Rewards & Benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service plus an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
- Recognition through the employee performance scheme.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan.
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on‑site coffee bars (at some locations).
- Paid parental and adoption leave.
Equal Opportunities
At GCHQ, diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups under‑represented in our workforce such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from low socio‑economic backgrounds.
Disability Confident
GCHQ is proud to have achieved Leader status within the UK Department for Work and Pensions' Disability Confident scheme. We are committed to providing a fair interview process to disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria for the role.
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