At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure responsible digital governance and project success.
- Company: DVSA, a forward-thinking organisation focused on digital excellence.
- Benefits: Generous pension, 25+ days leave, flexible working, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team dedicated to improving digital services.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital governance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Extensive governance experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Head of Digital Governance will lead a small team responsible for maintaining oversight of DVSA's digital portfolio. You will ensure that digital activity is delivered responsibly, aligned with organisational goals, and supported by sound decision-making and assurance. Based in one of our administrative offices (Bristol, Newcastle, Swansea, Nottingham, Oldham, Birmingham, or Leeds).
Responsibilities
- Lead a small team of governance and assurance professionals, creating a culture of integrity, collaboration, and constructive challenge.
- Own the digital governance framework and ensure it reflects best practice, government standards, and the evolving needs of DVSA's digital teams.
- Be the go-to expert for digital assurance—ensuring our projects are accountable, well-documented, and set up for success from the outset.
- Maintain and evolve our programme and project delivery standards, ensuring they're usable, proportionate, and aligned with recognised methodologies like MSP and PRINCE2.
- Work alongside directors, service owners, and external partners to maintain trust and alignment across DVSA and the wider Department for Transport family.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
About the Role
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as the Head of Digital Governance. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in environments where they can work with high levels of autonomy and bring structure and rigour to areas that need it most. You have extensive experience and a deep understanding of governance and policy compliance. Your background in project and programme methodology is robust, and you have a proven track record of working with and influencing Executives or Board level colleagues. Your advice is not just sound but authoritative, and you are known for your excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills. You have used assurance functions to inform decision-making effectively and have set standards and processes that enable and monitor quality.
DVSA is investing in the foundations that support a strong, modern digital function—from the way we govern and assure delivery to how we build trust in our services and data. We’re growing a team that can shape and strengthen how digital work gets done, and we’re looking for leaders who bring clarity, consistency, and confidence to how we manage change. This role is part of the Digital & Data Hub—a centre of expertise designed to improve how we recruit and develop digital talent, embed better governance, and support business areas with expert advice and insight.
Whether it’s setting clear routes through governance forums, improving how we assess digital risk, or supporting portfolio delivery teams, you’ll play a key role in making sure DVSA delivers smarter, more joined-up digital services. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Driver, Vehicle, Enforcement, and Common Services, helping teams navigate complexity, stay aligned to strategy, and make decisions with the right information at the right time. We’re building a high-performing, inclusive digital culture—and this is your chance to help shape how it operates. If you’re motivated by improving delivery standards and want to help others succeed through clear, practical governance—you’ll feel right at home here.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Head of Digital Governance in Oldham employer: DVSA
DVSA is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer extensive benefits including a generous pension contribution, flexible working options, and increasing annual leave, all within a supportive environment that empowers teams to thrive. Join us in shaping a high-performing digital culture where your expertise will directly contribute to delivering smarter, more efficient services for the public.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Governance in Oldham
✨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 DVSA, 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 DVSA 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 Head of Digital Governance in Oldham
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 DVSA 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 DVSA
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with DVSA, 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 DVSA.
