At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital inclusion initiatives and drive skills development across government and communities.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming digital access for all.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to create impactful digital strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This role may be based in one of the following locations: London or Manchester. Working Pattern: Full time, Flexible Working, Job Share.
Job Summary: As Director (SCS2) for Digital Inclusion and Skills, your key responsibilities will include:
- Set the strategic direction for digital inclusion, building on the 2025 Digital Inclusion Action Plan and the evidence from its first year.
- Drive a long-term, place-based approach that improves access to devices and connectivity, skills, confidence and trust, and the accessibility and usability of digital services.
- Deliver the Digital Communities Fund working with Mayors, local leaders and delivery partners to fill gaps in support and scale approaches that work, while ensuring robust evidence, value for money and measurable impact.
- Drive Digital Inclusion work across Whitehall, joining up with other departments, notably CO, HMT, DHSC, DWP and DfE, to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are supported to maximise benefits of the digital transformation.
- Deliver the Women in Tech agenda, working with the Women in Tech Taskforce and its Chair to improve workplace culture, support women to start and scale technology businesses, and partner with the right group of organisations to lead wider change.
- Coordinate and deliver skills and talent work across DCMS, developing a shared departmental approach to issues including migration and talent, building on existing sector and tech-specific work.
- Deliver the £250m TechFirst programme, building a stronger domestic technology talent pipeline, supporting regional growth and widening access for young people and women to high-value careers in frontier technology sectors.
- Maintain strong partnerships with employers, schools and regional organisations and ensure effective programme delivery.
- Lead a high-performing directorate, bringing teams and portfolios together around a clear purpose, developing capability and an inclusive culture, and maintaining momentum across a broad, high-profile ministerial agenda.
Key Challenges for the Role:
- Delivering through complex stakeholder environments, including across a wide range of government departments and local government, civil society, and industry, including supporting the work of the Women in Tech Taskforce.
- Translating high ministerial ambition into a coherent, prioritised and deliverable strategy across digital inclusion, technology skills and diversity in tech, while maintaining a clear focus on outcomes for people and communities.
- Design and deliver a series of interventions to have a material difference to the digital inclusion of the most vulnerable in society.
- Ensuring the successful delivery of high-impact programmes.
- Expand and deliver the TechFirst Skills Programme, which aims to reach 1 million students by 2030, and builds on the success of CyberFirst.
- Coordinate with others across DCMS to provide oversight and coordination for the full range of talent and skills activities taking place.
- Playing a full role as part of the Digital Foundation Group’s SLT and the wider DCMS senior leadership group, including leading teams through the machinery of government changes.
- Proven leadership experience, with a track record of leading high-performing, diverse teams in high pressure environments.
- A proven ability to set a clear and compelling vision, lead confidently through uncertainty, and create an inclusive environment for teams.
- Excellent relationship-building skills, and able to quickly build credibility at senior levels across a range of stakeholders, including central government, local government, industry, and the wider public sector.
- Highly developed communication skills, able to brief on complex and sensitive issues clearly and concisely.
- Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills, combined with the resilience to operate effectively at the most senior levels of government.
- Sound judgement and strong political acumen, with the ability to read a shifting context, manage risk, and make well-reasoned decisions on complex strategic and reputational issues.
- Experience in formulating and delivering complex strategies, policies, and programmes under pressure and where you don’t own all the necessary levers.
- Demonstrable experience in digital inclusion and/or skills development.
Director – Digital Inclusion and Skills employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the public sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working in a dynamic environment that values diverse perspectives. Join us in shaping the future of technology and making a meaningful impact on society.
Contact Details:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director – Digital Inclusion and Skills
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director – Digital Inclusion and Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
