Chief Data Officer - GDS - SCS2

Location

Bristol, London, Manchester

About the job

Job summary

The Government Digital Service (GDS), the Digital Centre of government, was announced as an essential element of DSIT’s work by the Secretary of State earlier this year. It is a catalyst for the digital transformation of public services. Data is recognised by government to play an integral role in all we do - including transformation of public services and developing, delivering and evaluating policy that shapes the UK economy, businesses and lives.

Data is the foundation of modern digital government. From shaping public policy and driving economic growth to transforming front-line services, the way we govern, manage, and apply data directly impacts the lives of citizens and the effectiveness of the state. As GCDO, you will lead the UK Government’s efforts to harness this data responsibly, securely, and to maximum public benefit.

This is one of the most senior and influential data leadership roles in the UK. You’ll be responsible for delivering the government’s vision for data excellence across departments, agencies, and the wider public sector. This includes driving the government-wide data strategy, setting data standards, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services through better data access, sharing, governance, and innovation.You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders at the heart of government—including No. 10, HM Treasury, the Office for National Statistics, and across central and local government—to drive coherence, capability, and culture change.

Job description

As the Government Chief Data Officer, you will lead on implementing the government’s mission to improve the use of its own data. You will work closely with stakeholders across the centre of government, including Number 10, the Office for National Statistics, Cabinet Office, HM Treasury.  You will also work collaboratively with data teams across a wide range of public sector bodies including central government departments and their agencies, the health service, devolved administrations and local government. 

The government’s vision for digital public services is set out in its Blueprint for Modern Digital Government.  Improving our data foundations including addressing the root cause issues described in the recent State of digital government review will be essential to realising the government’s vision. 

You will work closely with the Government Chief Digital Officer and other the members of the GDS senior leadership team, and with Chief Digital and Information Officers and Chief Data Officers across the public sector. You will be responsible for coordinating the government's data strategy, focusing on improving quality and standards. Additionally, you will ensure departments follow data standards and remove obstacles to using and reusing data effectively in the public sector. 

As an experienced leader of an expert function, you will be used to leading strategic discussions at Board level and with other influencing stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes. This role will see you engage with Ministers, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Data Officers and other Digital and Data leaders across the public sector and other senior leaders across the wider system to deliver this high-profile agenda at pace. 

The core responsibilities of the post are: 

foster a sustainable data-centric culture across government and the public sector
own and implement a government wide data strategy
set data standards to aligning with digital and data objectives
lead the government's digital and data community
champion data access to improve services and decision-making
lead GDS data governance and modernise systems with open standards
collaborate with Chief Data Officers to enhance data sharing and innovation
establish data governance structures and report to senior leaders and ministers.
be an active and engaged member of the GDS and DSIT leadership teams, accountable for delivering the public sector digital and data strategy and plans 

Person specification

We're interested in people who:

are an experienced leader in influencing, negotiating, and effectively managing stakeholders, with a strong ability to build relationships across various fields and at board level
have a proven track record in leading data-centric initiatives and implementing enterprise-wide data strategies in complex IT environments
have expertise in managing complex, specialist teams, including cross-functional and partner resources, and in commercial and supplier management
possess excellent communication skills, effective in conveying complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
have extensive experience in data management, governance, and analytics is essential.
are experienced in using data tools and big data technologies, knowledge of data privacy regulations, strategic thinking, and policy development.
possess analytical skills for deriving insights, industry-specific knowledge, and adaptability to technology trends to implement and oversee data strategies aligned with the government’s missions.