At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and modernise services for citizens in financial distress.
- Company: Insolvency Service, pivotal in public service transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to influence national services.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team with significant career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable citizens and shape the future of digital government.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital transformation and experience in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham, Cardiff, Croydon, Edinburgh, Exeter, Ipswich, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Stratford. The role is available from any of our regional centres with regular travel to London, Manchester, Birmingham required.
This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of a major public service transformation. The Insolvency Service is modernising how it supports citizens in financial distress, tackles economic wrongdoing, and delivers high-volume statutory services. Digital, data and technology are critical to this ambition.
As Chief Digital and Information Officer, you will lead a step-change in how we design, deliver and operate services - moving from legacy, fragmented systems toward resilient, user-centred, data-driven platforms that improve outcomes for citizens and enable economic growth. You will operate as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy and acting as the principal advisor to the Chief Executive and Board on digital, technology, cyber and data.
What You Will Be Accountable For:
- Leading Transformation at Scale: Define and deliver a multi-year digital and technology strategy that modernises critical services and reduces reliance on legacy systems. Drive adoption of product-based delivery models and modern engineering practices. Identify and scale the use of data, automation and AI to improve efficiency, fraud detection and service quality.
- Delivering Excellent, Reliable Services: Ensure high availability, resilience and performance across critical national services supporting 80,000 users annually. Improve end-to-end service journeys using user-centred design and measurable performance outcomes. Stabilise and progressively modernise a complex live estate.
- Building a High-Performing DDaT Function: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary workforce, building deep capability across architecture, engineering, cyber and data. Strengthen internal capability while optimising the use of strategic suppliers. Create a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Strengthening Cyber and Risk Posture: Lead the organisation's cyber resilience strategy, embedding secure-by-design principles. Ensure robust management of information risk, regulatory compliance and data governance. Build a security-aware culture across the organisation.
- Driving Value and Commercial Impact: Oversee significant investment in digital and technology, ensuring clear prioritisation and measurable value. Improve commercial outcomes across a complex supplier ecosystem, including SIAM arrangements. Deliver efficiencies while enabling transformation.
- Influencing at the Highest Levels: Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, Board and Ministers. Build strong partnerships across government, including DBT and central digital and security functions. Communicate complex technology and risk issues clearly to drive effective decision-making.
What Success Looks Like (First 18-24 Months):
- Measurable improvement in reliability and performance of critical services, more transparency in reporting and dashboarding.
- Clear, funded roadmap to reduce remaining legacy systems and technical debt (in 12 months).
- Increased digital adoption and improved user satisfaction.
- Stronger cyber maturity and reduced organisational risk exposure.
- Improved supplier performance and demonstrable value for money.
- A more engaged, capable and stable DDaT workforce.
Person Specification:
We are looking for a senior leader who combines strategic vision with delivery credibility. You will bring:
- Excellent leadership skills, with proven success of building high-performing, cross functional teams, where emphasis is placed on creating value.
- A strong track record of leading large-scale digital and technology transformation, ideally in complex, regulated or service-intensive environments.
- Experience running and modernising critical live services at scale.
- Ability to balance short-term operational stability with long-term transformation.
- Deep understanding of modern architectures, cloud, data platforms and emerging technologies (including AI).
- Proven ability to lead through others, influence at Board level, and operate in complex stakeholder environments.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including managing significant budgets and supplier ecosystems.
Why This Role:
This is an opportunity to:
- Lead meaningful, national-impact services that directly affect people in vulnerable situations.
- Shape and deliver a major transformation agenda with Board-level visibility.
- Build and lead a modern, high-performing DDaT organisation.
- Influence how digital government services evolve in a critical economic domain.
Chief Digital and Information Officer - Insolvency Service - SCS1 employer: Government Digital & Data
The Insolvency Service is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital initiatives that directly impact citizens in financial distress across various regional centres. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to influence national services, this role provides a meaningful career path in a dynamic public service environment. Join us to be at the forefront of modernising critical services while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and innovative workplace.
Contact Details:
Government Digital & Data Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Digital and Information Officer - Insolvency Service - SCS1
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Digital and Information Officer - Insolvency Service - SCS1
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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital & Data
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Government Digital & Data, 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.
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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!
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