Chief Data Officer

The Government Digital Service (GDS), the Digital Centre of government, was announced as an essential element of DSIT’s work by the Secretary of State earlier this year. It is a catalyst for the digital transformation of public services. Data is recognised by government to play an integral role in all we do - including transformation of public services and developing, delivering and evaluating policy that shapes the UK economy, businesses and lives. Data is the foundation of modern digital government. From shaping public policy and driving economic growth to transforming front-line services, the way we govern, manage, and apply data directly impacts the lives of citizens and the effectiveness of the state.

As GCDO, you will lead the UK Government’s efforts to harness this data responsibly, securely, and to maximum public benefit. This is one of the most senior and influential data leadership roles in the UK. You’ll be responsible for delivering the government’s vision for data excellence across departments, agencies, and the wider public sector. This includes driving the government-wide data strategy, setting data standards, and accelerating the digital transformation of public services through better data access, sharing, governance, and innovation. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders at the heart of government—including No. 10, HM Treasury, the Office for National Statistics, and across central and local government—to drive coherence, capability, and culture change.

As the Government Chief Data Officer, you will be responsible for:

• Lead the Government Data Strategy: Own and implement a government-wide data vision and roadmap, aligned to the National Data Strategy and the Modern Digital Government Blueprint.
• Foster a Data-Driven Culture: Champion the use of data to improve service delivery, policy design, and decision-making across government.
• Enhance Data Governance and Maturity: Develop robust, ethical, and open governance structures that promote responsible data use, transparency, and public trust.
• Set and Enforce Data Standards: Drive adoption of common, open standards to improve interoperability and data quality across departments.
• Modernise Public Sector Data Systems: Oversee upgrades to systems and infrastructure that support secure and scalable data sharing.
• Strengthen the Data Profession: Support and develop the cross-government data community, nurturing talent, skills, and professional leadership.
• Engage and Influence at the Highest Levels: Collaborate with ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers, and senior data and digital leaders across the public sector.

We’re seeking a visionary and collaborative leader with:

• A transformative data leader with experience driving strategic data initiatives at enterprise scale, ideally in complex, regulated environments.
• An expert communicator with the ability to influence and engage board-level stakeholders, Ministers, and technical communities alike.
• A champion of data governance, data ethics, and responsible innovation.
• Extensive experience in data management, architecture, analytics, and big data technologies.
• A collaborative leader with a track record of managing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of public service delivery, policy development, and data privacy legislation (e.g., GDPR).
• Experience building communities of practice and promoting capability growth in large, distributed organisations.

This is a unique opportunity to lead how data is used across government to improve public services, inform national policy, and deliver real-world impact at scale. Your leadership will shape a more data-driven, transparent, and effective public sector. If you’re passionate about data, digital transformation, and serving the public good, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite. For any further information, please reach out to Daniel White or Mercedes Sargant on 020 8253 1806, or via email at CDO@global-resourcing.com.