At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI assurance at HMRC, ensuring responsible and effective AI deployment.
- Company: Join HMRC, a forward-thinking organisation committed to innovation and public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in government and make a real impact on society.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, risk, or compliance, with a focus on AI and emerging technologies.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 86000 £ per year.
The Deputy Director, Head of AI Assurance will lead HMRC's approach to assuring the responsible, safe and effective deployment of AI across the organisation. The role will provide strategic leadership for the AI assurance function within the Chief AI Office (CAIO), ensuring that AI activity across HMRC is aligned to organisational priorities, meets clear governance and assurance expectations, and can progress at pace within appropriate guardrails. The post holder will not replace existing specialist functions such as data protection, cyber security, legal, commercial, architecture, risk or ethics. Instead, they will act as the senior alignment point for AI assurance, bringing together the right expertise at the right point in the lifecycle and ensuring that teams receive clear, proportionate and practical assurance advice.
Job description
- Lead the development and operation of HMRC's AI assurance approach, ensuring that central, local and federated AI activity meets a consistent assurance bar.
- Establish clear assurance routes for AI use cases, from early idea through experimentation, deployment, scaling and live service.
- Provide senior oversight of AI assurance decisions, ensuring that risks, mitigations, dependencies and decisions are recorded, evidenced and traceable.
- Contribute to development of AI Agents to support delivery of effective assurance across the enterprise.
- Work with senior colleagues across HMRC to embed proportionate assurance into existing governance, delivery, security, data, commercial and change processes.
- Lead the AI assurance team, setting priorities, allocating work and ensuring a coherent service to delivery teams and business areas.
- Ensure assurance activity supports responsible acceleration rather than unnecessary delay, helping teams understand what is required to progress safely.
- Maintain a single view of material AI assurance issues, risks, themes and decisions, escalating where appropriate to the Chief AI Officer and relevant governance forums.
- Oversee the development of reusable assurance products, including checklists, evidence packs, decision templates, guidance and playbooks.
- Build strong working relationships with existing HMRC specialists in security, data protection, data governance, legal, ethics, commercial, architecture, risk and internal audit.
- Support external confidence in HMRC's use of AI by ensuring transparency, audit readiness and clear evidence of responsible redeployment.
- Represent HMRC in cross-government AI assurance, governance and professional communities, helping shape emerging standards, frameworks and best practice for responsible AI adoption.
Person specification
- Experience of leading governance, assurance, risk, compliance or delivery functions in a complex organisation, with accountability for delivering effective outcomes in high-profile or sensitive environments.
- Experience of AI, data science, digital transformation, automation or emerging technology governance, including applying proportionate assurance approaches to innovative and fast-moving technology delivery.
- Strong ability to interpret complex policy, technical, ethical and risk issues, and translate them into clear, practical guidance that supports safe and effective delivery.
- Demonstrable ability to build effective relationships across organisational boundaries, influence senior stakeholders, and align diverse interests to achieve pragmatic decisions and outcomes.
- Excellent judgement and decision-making skills, including the ability to balance pace, innovation, risk, proportionality, regulatory requirements and public trust.
- Proven leadership and communication skills, including the ability to build and lead high-performing expert teams and to communicate complex issues clearly and succinctly to senior leaders and non-technical audiences.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
For full selection process details please see attached Candidate Pack. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Deputy Director, Head of AI Assurance - Manchester employer: HMRC
HMRC is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. With flexible and hybrid working policies, generous leave allowances, and a commitment to continuous improvement, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful public service. Located in Birmingham's vibrant Arena Central, this role as an Operating Model Manager provides the opportunity to lead impactful change within a large organisation, making a real difference in how technology services are delivered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Head of AI Assurance - Manchester
✨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 HMRC, 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 HMRC 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 Deputy Director, Head of AI Assurance - Manchester
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 HMRC 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 HMRC
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with HMRC, 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 HMRC.
