Head of Data Quality in Cowbridge

Location: St Bees; Cardiff, UK; Edinburgh, UKSalary: 58,531 - 65,136 per yearEmployment: FlexibleCategory: Business IntelligencePosted: 2026-09-02Valid to: 2026-09-22Employer: Companies HouseJob summaryAs Head of Data Quality, you will play a leading role providing strategic leadership and assurance over data quality and data asset management across Companies House, ensuring that organisational data is accurate, trusted, well-governed, and fit for operational delivery, decision-making, and transparency. The role’s current objectives are to define and embed consistent data quality standards, business rules, and metadata; lead organisation-wide data quality assessment and improvement activity; establish clear data ownership and governance arrangements; and provide authoritative assurance to senior leaders on data quality risk and maturity. Collectively, these objectives enable Companies House to strengthen its data capability, support reliable service delivery and regulatory compliance, and build long-term confidence in the data it provides to internal and external stakeholders.About the roleThis is an exciting time to join Companies House. The organisation is delivering significant organisational and legislative change, alongside major investment in its data capabilities through the Data Scheme and wider transformation programmes.As Head of Data Quality, you will play a leading role in improving the quality, transparency and management of Companies House data assets. Working with senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will help embed good data management practices, improve data maturity, manage risks and support informed decision-making.You will be part of a collaborative and supportive leadership team that is passionate about improving data maturity and delivering meaningful outcomes for customers, colleagues and the wider UK economy.About Companies HouseCompanies House holds one of the largest sources of data in the UK, supporting transparency, economic research and public trust. As we continue to evolve through legislative reform, the need for well-governed, trusted and clearly defined data has never been more important. Job descriptionSecurity ClearanceSuccessful candidates must meet the requirements for Security Check (SC) clearance before they can be appointed. To be eligible for SC clearance, you must normally have lived in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Applications from candidates who do not meet these residency requirements are unlikely to be successful as clearance may be refused. As a Head of Data Quality main duties consist of but are not limited to:Provide strategic and operational leadership for data quality and data asset management across Companies House.Develop and implement the organisation's data quality strategy, including defining data quality standards, business rules, metadata.Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team responsible for assessing, monitoring and improving the quality of priority datasets.Work collaboratively with data owners, service teams and digital colleagues to ensure data quality is effectively measured, governed and embedded within business processes, identifying root causes of data quality issues and delivering sustainable improvements.Provide expert advice and assurance to senior leaders on data quality risks and maturity, supporting data governance activities and influencing organisational priorities and decision-making.Promote the effective management of data as a strategic asset, enabling reliable operational delivery, regulatory compliance, transparency and trust.Enable Companies House to rely on high-quality, well-described and trusted data to support operational delivery, regulatory compliance and transparency.About the team:You will join the Data Management team, a growing multidisciplinary function at the centre of Companies House's data transformation agenda. The team is responsible for strengthening how data is governed, managed, understood and used across the organisation, helping to ensure that data is trusted, accessible and fit for purpose. Working closely with operational, digital, policy and analytical colleagues, the team provides leadership across areas including data quality, data governance, data asset management, metadata, information rights and data ownership. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing function and help shape how data is governed, managed and trusted across Companies House for years to come. Where You'll Be Working You will be aligned to either the Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast office, where you will be expected to attend at least once a week. We are currently using a hybrid approach to the way we work which provides opportunities for you to be adaptable in the way you work so that you can achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life. Your manager will agree regular patterns of attendance with you; however, you may be required to make yourself available to attend the office more frequently when required to meet business needs.Important Information for Belfast-Based Applicants For Belfast, this vacancy is only open to existing Companies House employees based in the Belfast office. Applications from external candidates and wider Civil Service colleagues will not be considered. Working Hours:Due to the nature of the role and team structure, this is a full-time position of 37 hours per week.We can accept applications for those looking to work full time, part time or compressed hours, a minimum of 30 hours over 4 days per week. SponsorshipCompanies House cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. Companies House holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship, your application may be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment withdrawn.Person specificationWe are looking for a candidate who has:Experienced data management leader skills with a strong track record of delivering improvement in complex organisations. Significant experience in data quality, data governance, data management, analytics, or a related discipline, and a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence senior stakeholders, and drive organisational change through better use of data. Confident communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences and able to operate credibly at senior leadership and governance forums. Understand how high-quality data supports operational delivery, decision-making and organisational outcomes. Strategical thinker, able to lead through ambiguity, balance immediate delivery pressures with long-term improvement goals, and build strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. Passionate about developing capability within teams and creating a culture of continuous improvement.QualificationsA degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience is essential alongside evidence of continuing professional development.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Changing and ImprovingCommunicating and InfluencingDeveloping Self and OthersManaging a Quality ServiceLeadershipTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify root causes, and use evidence to support decision-making and prioritisation.Experience of developing and embedding data quality, metadata and data ownership frameworks.Practical knowledge of analytical and business intelligence tools such as SQL, Python and Power BI.BenefitsAlongside your salary of 58,531, Companies House contributes 16,956 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).We believe that our success is driven by the well-being and satisfaction of our team members at all levels of the organisation. At Companies House we’re committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary, ensuring your career journey with us is not only fulfilling, but also rewarding. We pride ourselves on offering a quality work-life balance with our employee wellbeing being central to our working practices. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional development and financial security, including:Flexible working arrangements, with no core hours and working patterns available between 6am and 8pm.Hybrid working opportunities, helping you balance office collaboration with home working.30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing with service.Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an average employer contribution of 28%.A strong commitment to learning, development and career progression.Access to wellbeing support, resources and initiatives that promote positive physical and mental health.A collaborative and inclusive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.Head to Our benefits - Working for us - Recruitment (companieshouse.gov.uk) to find out more about the fantastic benefits package we have at Companies House. We celebrate diversity As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity, being committed to ensuring we’re representative of the citizens we serve and creating an inclusive environment. Everyone in Companies House brings something different, and so will you. To fulfil our commitment to recruiting and attracting diverse talent we welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We also welcome applications from Welsh speakers. We are proud to be a disability confident leader. Our recruitment process is fully inclusive and we can make adjustments as needed through our process. These could include having an interview buddy, extra time at interviews/assessments and receiving interview questions in advance, to name a few. Read our 'Applying under the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS)' guide to find out how to successfully complete an application under the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS).If you require any reasonable adjustments at application stage, or if you'd like to discuss any person-centred adjustments, please contact us by emailing recruitmentCH@companieshouse.gov.uk.Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.Key informationAdditional details on security and vettingSuccessful candidates must meet the security requirements for Security Check (SC) before they can be appointed. Further information on the vetting process can be found at National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK. To be eligible for SC clearance, candidates must meet the vetting criteria and have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 out of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected. Please review our vetting charter to understand what you can expect from the process - The vetting charter - GOV.UKIf you have questions regarding this or are unsure if you meet the eligibility criteria, please contact recruitmentch@companieshouse.gov.ukWhat will the process look like?To apply, please complete the online application form and provide the information outlined below. Communications will be electronic via email therefore it is important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.We welcome applications in Welsh / Rydym yn croesawi ceisiadau yn y Gymraeg.Key dates (dates are indicative only and could be subject to change)Closing date - 21st September 2026, at 23:55Sifting - 22nd September 2026 onwardsInterviews - w/c 5th October 2026, via Microsoft TeamsTo apply, please complete the online application form and provide the information outlined below. Communications will be electronic via email therefore it is important that you check your Civil Service Jobs account regularly, as well as your spam/junk email folder.Stage 1 – SiftWe are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Please ensure your application is anonymous by removing personal identifiers, including names, from your employment history and supporting statements.An initial sift of applications will be carried out to create a shortlist. This will be based on the evidence provided for the following Success Profile elements:ExperienceYour CV will be used to assess your suitability for the role alongside your 500 word Personal statement.CVTell us about your employment history, including key responsibilities and achievements. Qualifications - Please provide details of your qualification(s) and/or relevant professional experience that demonstrate how you meet the following requirement: A degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience is essential alongside evidence of continuing professional development.Personal statementTell us why you’re a great fit for this role by writing a 500-word personal statement that highlights your relevant experience, skills, and motivations. As part of the assessment process, we’ll be reviewing your statement for clear evidence of how you meet the essential criteria outlined below:Significant experience in data quality, data governance, data management, analytics or a related discipline.A proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence senior stakeholders and deliver organisational change through the effective use of data.We encourage you to provide specific examples that demonstrate the impact of your work, the actions you took and the outcomes you achieved. Technical We’ll also assess you against the following technical criteria. For each technical skill, please provide evidence of up to 250 words demonstrating how you meet the criteria.The technical skills being assessed are:Experience of developing and embedding data quality, metadata and data ownership frameworks. (Lead Criteria)Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify root causes and use evidence to support decision-making and prioritisation.Practical knowledge of analytical and business intelligence tools, such as SQL, Python and Power BI.Please note: Should a large number of applications be received, a pre-sift may be conducted using the lead essential criteria highlighted in bold above. We may also raise the score required at sift stage to progress to interview if we receive a high number of applications.Candidates who achieve the highest scores will progress to the next stage of the recruitment process. If vacancies remain after the initial selection process, we may subsequently consider additional candidates in merit order.Stage 2 - Interview If invited to interview Behaviours, Technical and Strengthbased questioning will be used. BehavioursThe below Behaviours will be assessed at interview:Changing and ImprovingCommunicating and InfluencingDeveloping Self and OthersManaging a Quality ServiceLeadershipTechnical SkillThe below Technical skill will be assessed at interview:Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information, identify root causes and use evidence to support decision-making and prioritisation.Please note: candidates that proceed to the interview stage will be required to take part in an activity as part of the interview. This will be assessed against Technical skill listed directly above. Further details will be provided to candidates invited to interview. Strengths Strength questions are designed to assess a candidate's natural and immediate response to a situation, reflecting the Civil Service Strengths framework used by Companies House. The specific strengths being assessed will not be shared in advance and will be explored during the interview.Specific information regarding the Success Profile elements that will be assessed at interview will be contained within the interview invitation.Interviews for this role will be carried out virtually interview via Microsoft Teams.Stage 3 – OfferOnce all interviews have been completed, you will be notified of the outcome by email. Offers will be made in strict merit order to the highest scoring candidate first as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. Reserve listA reserve list may be held for up to 12 months. If suitable vacancies arise during this period, appointments may be made from the reserve list in merit order for the same, similar or lower-grade roles, subject to business need. Our recruitment process is based on the principles of fair and open competition and selection on merit, in line with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles.Applicants to noteIncomplete and/or late submissions will not be accepted or considered.CVs sent direct to Companies House will not be accepted.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or if you'd like to discuss any person-centred adjustments then please let the recruitment team know viarecruitmentch@companieshouse.gov.ukPre-Employment ChecksSuccessful candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including Right to Work checks.As part of the pre-employment screening process, successful candidates will also be subject to a check against the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check compares personal details, including name, date of birth and National Insurance number, against records relating to individuals who have been dismissed, or would have been dismissed had employment continued, for fraud or dishonesty offences within the Civil Service. Where a match is identified, employment will normally not be offered unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.Candidates whose application is affected by information held on the Internal Fraud Database will be informed accordingly. Please note that individuals dismissed from a Civil Service organisation for internal fraud are not eligible to apply for Civil Service employment for a period of five years following their dismissal.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob contact : Name : Jack DowlingEmail : recruitmentch@companieshouse.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : recruitmentch@companieshouse.gov.ukFurther informationWe welcome applications from Welsh speakers. Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles, our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of appointment on the basis of merit by fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact infopoint@companieshouse.gov.uk in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission . info@csc.gov.ukCivil Service Commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road SW1A 2HQ