Head of Data and Insight

Head of Data and Insight

Application Deadline: 2 November 2026

Department: Data and Intelligence

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Demelza Kent

Reporting To: Director of IT, Data and Governance

Compensation: £52,500 / year

Description

Lead data, insight and responsible AI transformation at Demelza

At Demelza, we believe better insight leads to better decisions, stronger services and greater impact for children and families.

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Head of Data and Insight to lead our organisation-wide Data and Insight function at an important point in its development.

This is an opportunity to shape how Demelza uses data, analytics, automation and responsible AI across the organisation. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, turn our Data and Governance Strategy into practical delivery and help colleagues to use trusted evidence to support informed decision -making and demonstrate impact.

You will have the professional autonomy to set direction, establish priorities and build a modern, resilient data function. Just as importantly, you will see the direct connection between your work and Demelza's mission to provide extraordinary care and support to children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families.

What you will do

Reporting to the Director of IT, Data and Governance, you will:

• lead the implementation and continued development of Demelza's Data and Governance Strategy;
• provide visible leadership, coaching and direction to the Data and Insight team;
• strengthen data quality, ownership, governance and reporting confidence across the organisation;
• develop our business intelligence and analytics capability, turning complex data into clear, actionable insight;
• oversee the development of organisation MI, dashboards, reporting models and our data warehouse;
• establish transparent priorities for data, reporting, systems and improvement requests;
• identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce duplication and make better use of organisational capacity;
• lead the safe, ethical and proportionate adoption of AI and automation;
• oversee a portfolio of data applications, integrations and system improvements; and
• work alongside senior leaders, trustees and colleagues across Demelza to translate evidence into practical action and measurable benefits.

About you

You will be an experienced data, insight, analytics or applications leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery.

You will bring:

• experience of leading and developing an effective data, insight, reporting or information governance function;
• a strong track record of translating strategy into prioritised plans, measurable outcomes and sustainable improvements;
• experience of leading organisational change, digital transformation or complex delivery programmes;
• experience of business intelligence, reporting and visualisation, including Power BI or comparable technologies;
• a good understanding of data quality, data governance, information security and responsible data use;
• confidence identifying and implementing appropriate automation and AI-enabled opportunities within a well-governed environment;
• strong people leadership skills and the ability to build capability, resilience and shared accountability;
• the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and constructively challenge assumptions;
• the ability to communicate technical or complex information clearly to different audiences; and
• a curious, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

You do not need to have worked in a hospice before. Experience in healthcare, charities or another regulated environment would be valuable, but we are equally interested in the transferable knowledge, leadership and perspective you could bring.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to use data and technology for a clear social purpose.

Why join Demelza?

This is more than a data leadership role. It is an opportunity to:

• shape the future direction of data, insight, automation and AI at Demelza;
• influence strategic and operational decision-making across the organisation;
• build a clear, supportive and organisation-wide data service;
• lead transformational work with visible and measurable impact;
• develop a talented multidisciplinary team;
• work with colleagues who care deeply about the quality and impact of their work; and
• use your expertise to support extraordinary care for children and families.

For an informal chat, please call Claire Ellis-Waghorn, Director of IT, Data and Governance, on 01795 845261.

Closing date - Monday 2nd November 2026

Interview date - Wednesday 11th November 2026

Demelza greatly values the benefits of a diverse team and embraces diversity, equality, and inclusion in all areas of its work.

We are committed to building a diverse and authentic workplace, ensuring that our team reflects the diversity of the children and families we support.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds.

To find out how we process your personal data during the recruitment process, please refer to the Employee Recruitment Privacy Notice.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at a level relevant to the role.

Demelza is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Demelza is an equal opportunities employer.

Registered Charity No. 1039651.

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