At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital innovation and transformation in policing across Gwent and South Wales.
- Company: Join Gwent Police, a forward-thinking organisation committed to enhancing community safety through technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a competitive salary, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: This role offers the chance to work with a £40 million budget and a team of 250 professionals.
- Why this job: Shape the future of policing while inspiring teams and driving meaningful change for communities.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in digital transformation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 99000 £ per year.
Job Description
Gwent Police
Deputy Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)
Location: Flexible across South Wales & Gwent (with hybrid working)
Salary: £83,000 (pay award pending Sept 2025)
Security Clearance: SC
Lead digital innovation. Shape the future of policing.
Gwent Police are looking for an outstanding leader to join us as Deputy Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT), a role that offers the chance to deliver real impact at scale.
Working across Gwent Police and South Wales Police, you will help set the strategic direction for one of the largest and most complex technology landscapes in UK policing. With responsibility for a team of 250 professionals and a £40 million annual budget, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation, resilience, and transformation across our forces. This is an exciting time to join the organisation, as Gwent and South Wales Police come together from a technology perspective. Over the first 12 months, your focus will be on leading the transition from a partnership model to a collaborative service with Gwent and South Wales Police. You will be establishing new ways of working, building a new team, and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver successful change. As the role develops, you will play a key part in driving forward digital innovation across both forces, working closely with the Director of Digital, Data and Technology to ensure positive and lasting outcomes.
The opportunity
As Deputy Director, you will:
Shape the future of policing by leading transformative digital programmes that improve how we protect and serve communities.
Strengthen cyber security and ensure our mission-critical systems are robust, secure, and reliable.
Inspire and lead talented teams, creating a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Harness emerging technologies to deliver smarter, faster, and more effective policing services.
Build powerful partnerships with Chief Officers, national policing bodies, and external partners to drive progress and value.
About you
We’re seeking a visionary leader who combines deep digital expertise with strong people leadership.
You will bring:
Senior-level experience in delivering large-scale digital, data or technology transformation within a complex organisation.
A track record of leading mission-critical IT services and embedding strong cyber security.
The ability to inspire and lead large, diverse teams through change.
Experience managing multi-million-pound budgets and third-party suppliers.
Exceptional influencing and communication skills, with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders at the highest levels.
A passion for public service and improving outcomes for communities.
Why join us?
This is more than just a technology leadership role, it’s an opportunity to deliver lasting change for society. The systems and services you lead will directly support over 6,500 officers and staff, enabling them to keep our communities safe.
You will join a forward-looking leadership team committed to using data and technology as a true force for good making policing more effective, more connected, and more future-ready.
How to apply
For more information, please click on Apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please do contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson who will be delighted to speak with you:
Shoaib Haroon on 07384258626 / Shoaib.haroon@gatenbysanderson.com or
Martyn Brereton on 07586 715531 Martyn.brereton@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 14th September 2025 (23:55)
Deputy Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) employer: Gwent Police
Gwent Police is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital initiatives that directly impact community safety across South Wales and Gwent. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, you will be part of a forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to harnessing technology for public good, while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Gwent Police, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Gwent Police
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Gwent Police. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Gwent Police insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Gwent Police that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gwent Police
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Gwent Police to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Gwent Police.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
