Head of Data Governance

The starting salary is £80,260, which includes allowances totalling £2,928. The salary is broken down as £77,332 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £89,320. Plus, a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location / Hybrid Working: The primary Met Location for this role is either Sidcup, Bow, Lambeth, Hendon, Wimbledon or Southwark. Travel across the Met Estate, to attend meetings as required by the business, is expected. Blended working with an expectation of 3 days minimum in the office per week. We actively support hybrid working solutions.

Security Clearance: Due to the secure nature of our work, successful candidates must pass all vetting and security requirements to SC level, before they can be appointed.

The Role: The Head of Data Governance sits within the Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) Data Office and plays a critical role in shaping how the Met Police uses data safely, ethically and lawfully. Reporting to a Deputy Director, you will lead a function of over 30 data governance professionals and sit on the Director of Data’s Senior Leadership Team. You will drive the delivery of the Met’s Data and Analytics Strategy, ensuring compliance with all Data Protection legislation while enabling innovation, transparency and public trust. This role requires strong leadership, sound judgement and the ability to influence senior police and corporate leaders across the organisation and nationally.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mature the Met’s Data Governance function into a high-performing, consistent and omnicompetent service
• Define and deliver a strategic vision for ethical, legal and safe use of data across the Met
• Embed consistent ways of working to ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation
• Own and develop the Met Data Capability Assurance Framework (DCAF), including metrics and assurance processes
• Provide expert advice on lawful, proportionate and ethical data sharing
• Support the Met’s open data ambitions while safeguarding individual rights and freedoms
• Develop and oversee data governance policies aligned to the Met Data Vision
• Work closely with the Data Protection Officer on privacy, breaches and information governance, acting as Deputy DPO if required
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders and national policing partners

What we can offer:

• Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance
• 28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays), rising to 33 days after 5 years continuous service
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Enrolment with the Met’s employee incentive partner, Edenred, giving access to a range of rewards and incentives
• Access to a range of financial products via the Metropolitan Police Trading Service, including preferred credit facilities
• Generous family leave for pregnancy, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave
• Childcare support including nursery and play scheme discounts
• Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
• Access to the Bluelight Emergency Services discount card with a range of official discounts from large national retailers to local businesses including holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and much more
• A substantial range of health and wellbeing benefits including physiotherapy, 24/7 rehabilitation services and free eye tests
• To promote physical well-being you will have full access to subsidised sports centre membership to over 3,000 UK gyms and 80 London Fitness Centres. There is also an excellent range of sporting activities on offer through the various Met Police Sports and Social Clubs.

Essential skills:

• Proven experience leading senior managers within large Data, Technology or Analytics functions
• Strong strategic and tactical decision-making skills, including working with incomplete information
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills at senior level
• Experience defining, tracking and reporting data governance metrics
• Strong communication skills, capable of influencing up to Chief Officer level
• Expert knowledge of Data Protection legislation, including: Article 8, Human Rights Act 1998, Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
• Experience as a senior data leader or legal leader
• LLB (Bachelor of Laws) or equivalent practical experience in Data Protection

We view diversity as fundamental to our success. To tackle today’s complex policing challenges, we welcome applications from all of our London communities.