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- Tasks: Lead innovation strategy and oversee projects in our Innovation Lab.
- Company: Join the Disclosure and Barring Service, making a positive impact through technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and public service.
- Qualifications: Experience in innovation delivery and using digital tools like AI is essential.
- Other info: Remote work available; office attendance may be required based on needs.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Innovation Capability Lead role at Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Join to apply for the Innovation Capability Lead role at Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) provided pay range
This range is provided by Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
At the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), innovation and emerging technology are helping us deliver faster, smarter and more effective services. From using AI to support safeguarding decisions to improving the speed and accuracy of DBS checks, our work is focused on making a positive impact. We’re now looking for a collaborative and strategic individual to lead this important work.
As Innovation Capability Lead, you’ll shape and deliver DBS’s organisation-wide innovation strategy, overseeing a skilled team and guiding projects through our Innovation Lab. You’ll lead trials, build partnerships, and identify ways to scale new tools and approaches that strengthen safeguarding and enhance service delivery. This role encompasses elements of digital transformation, programme management, and practical innovation delivery, making it both strategic and operational in focus.
About you:
With a background in delivering innovation in complex environments, whether in the public, private or third sector, you\’ll bring a track record of guiding teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and translating new ideas into practical outcomes. Skilled in using digital tools and emerging technologies such as AI or robotic process automation, you will apply data and evidence to assess the value of new approaches. Experience with innovation methods like design thinking or experimentation is an advantage, particularly in live service settings. If you value collaboration, adapt well to change, and are motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through public service, we encourage you to apply.
Why choose a career at the Disclosure and Barring Service:
At DBS, we take pride in our mission and the people who deliver it. Our culture is collaborative, inclusive and professional. We offer flexibility and trust, recognising that people do their best work when supported and empowered.
Remote working is available for this role. Office attendance (Liverpool or Darlington) may be required in accordance with business needs.
We offer:
- Civil Service pension with generous employer contributions
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus public holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- An inclusive, supportive culture
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
How to apply:
To find out more about this opportunity and about working for the Disclosure and Barring Service, please click on the APPLY button.
Closing date for applications: Monday 4th August (closes at 10am)
Sift to take place: The initial sift to shortlist applications is the week commencing: Monday 4th August 2025. Interviews are due to take place the week commencing: Monday 18th
August 2025. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.
The DBS is an accredited Disability Confident Employer, and we are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s recruitment principles.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Project Management, Strategy/Planning, and Information Technology
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Industries
Government Administration
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Innovation Capability Lead employer: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Contact Detail:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Capability Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in innovation and technology, especially in public service. Understanding how AI and digital tools are currently being used can help you speak confidently about your ideas during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of innovation and public service. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others who share your interests, as this can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led innovation projects in the past. Be ready to explain your approach to collaboration and how you influenced stakeholders to adopt new ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Disclosure and Barring Service's current initiatives and challenges. Tailoring your conversation to show how your skills can directly address their needs will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Capability Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Innovation Capability Lead position at the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their focus on innovation and digital transformation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your background in delivering innovation in complex environments. Provide specific examples of how you've guided teams, influenced stakeholders, and translated ideas into practical outcomes, particularly in public service or similar sectors.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your skills in using digital tools and emerging technologies like AI or robotic process automation. Mention any experience with innovation methods such as design thinking or experimentation, especially in live service settings, to demonstrate your capability for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for making a meaningful difference through public service. Discuss why you are drawn to the DBS and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering effective services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Innovation Capability Lead role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as shaping the innovation strategy and overseeing projects in the Innovation Lab. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your background in delivering innovation in complex environments. Highlight specific examples where you've guided teams or influenced stakeholders, particularly in public service or similar sectors. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Familiarise with Digital Tools
Since the role involves using digital tools and emerging technologies like AI, be ready to discuss your experience with these technologies. Share examples of how you've applied data and evidence to assess new approaches, showcasing your technical proficiency.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Adaptability
DBS values collaboration and adaptability, so prepare to share instances where you've worked successfully in teams and adapted to change. This will show that you align with their inclusive and supportive culture, making you a strong candidate for the role.
